Leuchtenbergia Species, Agave Cactus, Cob Cactus, Prism Cactus

Leuchtenbergiaprincipis

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Leuchtenbergia (lewk-ten-BER-gee-uh)
Species
principis (PRIN-sip-iss)
Synonym
Leuchtenbergia principis var. principis
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pale Pink
Pale Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Chandler, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona(2 reports)

Tucson, Arizona(2 reports)

Brea, California

Brentwood, California

Clayton, California

Mission Viejo, California

Oceanside, California

Reseda, California

Saint Helena, California

San Marino, California

Spring Valley, California

Thousand Oaks, California

Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes

Dripping Springs, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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C
Tucson, AZ | June 2019 | positive

I have had my Leuchtenbergia principis for several years now in a pot with no problems. Now I notice little tiny bugs when I water. Anyon...Read More

P
Phoenix, AZ | February 2015 | positive

Central Phoenix -- Leuchtenbergia principis grows in the ground in my yard. It is a 20-year old plant that is entwined in the base of a ...Read More

F
F
Tucson, AZ | July 2007 | positive

All monotypic (single species) genera are exciting in that they represent plants that are so unique and unusual they cannot be classified...Read More

C
(Zone 10b) | October 2005 | neutral

A true cactus that bears a remarkable resemblance to and agave or aloe,this strange-looking plant is sole representative of its group.Unl...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | April 2004 | positive

Very slow growing plant that initially doesn't look like a cactus- has no dangerous spines, just whispy dead looking grass like projectio...Read More

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