Plant Identifier
San Pedro Cactus

San Pedro Cactus

Echinopsis pachanoi (formerly Trichocereus pachanoi)

Family: CactaceaeNative: Andes Mountains of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and ArgentinaIdentified: Sep 15, 2025

The San Pedro cactus is a fast-growing, columnar cactus with upright, branching stems that are typically bluish-green to dark green. It has 4-8 ribs, and each areole along the ribs bears clusters of small, yellowish to brown spines, although some cultivated varieties can be spineless. It can grow quite tall, reaching up to 20 feet (6 meters) in its natural habitat.

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Care instructions

San Pedro cacti prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter to prevent rot. They are somewhat frost-hardy, but protection is recommended in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C). Fertilize lightly during the growing season.