Baja Organ Pipe Cactus, Pitaya, Xoconostle

Stenocereusstellatus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Stenocereus (sten-oh-KER-ee-us)
Species
stellatus (stell-AY-tus)
Synonym
Cereus stellatus
Lemaireocereus stellatus
Rathbunia stellata
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
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
Rose/Mauve
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
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
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Regional

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

Phoenix, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

Bostonia, California

Lakeland, Florida

Metairie, Louisiana

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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N
N
Metairie, LA | August 2005 | positive

I brought my cactus from Brownsville, South Texas to the New Orleans area 3 yrs ago. It thrived here. Height is 13 ft and 6 inches. It bl...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | November 2004 | positive

This is cultivated for fruit. The photos [by me] are of one growing in zone 9a. here's a blossom in late September.

A
Bradenton, FL (Zone 9b) | September 2004 | positive

i lived for many years in mexico where the pitaya is a much prized plant. it blooms, and it gives fruit which when in season is very pop...Read More

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

Attractive columnar cactus with very ornamental spines- stellate with a large central spine popping out of the middle. Sometimes branche...Read More

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