Mexican Giant Cardón (Pachycereus pringlei)

Pachycereus pringlei is a giant columnar cactus native to Mexixco, specifically Baja California Sur and the Sonoran Desert in Sonora, where it grows abundantly along the coastline.

The coastal environment has resulted in P.pringlei evolving a slight tolerance to salt water which makes it an ideal addition to poolside landscaping projects.

In habitat, P.pringlei can be found growing on rocky, exposed hillsides. Though the most spectacular specimens are found in sheltered canyons.

P.pringlei has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that live within its roots which enables it to grow on bare rock even where there is no soil available at all. The bacteria can fix nitrogen from the air and “mine” the rock to provide the plant with nutrients in exchange for water. The cactus packages these symbiotic bacteria in with its seeds.

Pachycereus pringlei is a relatively easy and low-maintenance plant to grow.

Can be grown in pots, but will do considerably better in the ground where it can spread its roots out adequately. Requires good drainage in either environment.

Will tolerate temperatures as low as -4°C for a short time, but it is best to keep above 0° C to avoid ugly spots forming on the epidermis. Consider bringing into a greenhouse in winter if you live in an area that gets well below 0.

Pachycereus pringlei holds the record for the world’s tallest cactus, with one ancient specimen measuring in at 19.2m high. Pretty impressive.

Despite their immense size potential, there is no need to fear if you’re considering them for landscaping projects as they are still an extremely slow-growing cactus. In optional conditions, you can expect about 10-20cm of growth per year. So unless you are planning to live for 200 years you won’t have to deal with a 20-metre cactus in your yard anytime soon.

Young plants can be slender at the base for many years but increase greatly in thickness after branches begin to form which will usually be at around 2 metres tall.

The roots are thin and shallow but extend laterally for distances of 20 meters or more to stabilise their great height. For this reason, pot or garden bed size will dramatically affect your plant’s maximum growth potential. Inadequate root space will effectively bonsai your plant, which may be a good or bad thing depending on your situation.