Achuma, Wachuma, Huachuma, Bolivian Torch

This is one of my favorites to grow. Unlike the Cereus genus these grow slower and are easier to maintain in pots. It helps to cut the sp...Read Moreines with scissors in between the old growth and new growth to keep them from stabbing each other but not needed. I see many reports that this is a fast growing cactus but I don't see how compared to opuntia, Cereus, Acanthocereus, or many other species. If you over propagate them you may not get flowers so it is best to let them be or repot when needed. I use minerals like greensand, and azomite with great results. They seem to be naturally nematode and pest resistant. Trichocereus forms of Echinopsis have never given me problems I see reported from other people saying damage and burns occur at 25 degrees. I have had plants mainly pachanoi freeze solid at mid teens with no damage at all but other species in this genus survived as well. No cold experience with lagenformis just yet. I protected them since they were harder to get. 3 year old seedlings are often a good deal with this species. Don't force the Trichocereus forms of Echinopsis with nitrogen. Use minerals and let them grow slow. Rot and other problems I have found happen when they get forced.

Great looking tall, branching 5-6 sided columnar cactus of the Andes.. .known mostly however for the fact it contains mescaline. Not sur...Read Moree how cold hardy it is, but at least to zone 9b... probably more so.