Pilosocereus Pachycladus - Blue Columnar Cactus

Pilosocereus pachycladus

You will receive this exact, large specimen.
Measures 14" tall above the soil line.
Roots as shown.
Will be shipped bare root.

Pilosocereus pachycladus, also known as the Blue Torch Cactus, is a vibrant and striking columnar cactus known for its distinctive blue-green stems and upright growth habit.

Appearance:

• Columnar Growth: It grows as a columnar cactus, often developing multiple branching arms as it matures, resembling a miniature Saguaro.
• Blue-Green Stems: The stems are a beautiful glaucous (bluish-gray) olive color when young, which intensifies into a vibrant blue with age and sufficient light exposure.
• Ribs and Spines: The stems have pronounced ribs, each adorned with regularly spaced, creamy white areoles from which long, coppery yellow spines emerge.
• Flowers: It produces showy, white flowers, often with greenish-red outer parts, that bloom during the summer or late spring to early summer, typically at night.
• Fruit: The flowers develop into attractive globular, reddish-purple fruits. 

Origin and Habitat:

• Native to Brazil: Pilosocereus pachycladus is native to Brazil, specifically the caatinga region, a dry desert shrubland.
• Drought and Heat Tolerant: It is well-adapted to hot and dry conditions, tolerating high temperatures and extreme moisture fluctuations. 

Care and Cultivation:

• Light: Needs bright sunlight, ideally 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When growing indoors, place it on a south- or west-facing windowsill or under a grow light.
• Watering: Water infrequently using the "soak and dry" technique, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormant season.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining cactus and succulent soil mixes, preferably slightly acidic to neutral (6-7 pH). You can improve drainage by adding perlite or sand.
• Fertilizing: Requires minimal fertilization. A small amount of low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) applied once a year in spring is sufficient.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). It cannot tolerate hard frosts or temperatures below 50˚F (10˚C).
• Hardiness Zones: Can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, and 11.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings. 

Other Information:

• Common Names: Also known as the Blue Torch Cactus, Blue Columnar Cactus, or Tree Cactus.
• Size: Can reach a height of 33 feet in its native habitat but typically grows to a more manageable size of 10-20 feet tall in cultivation.
• Growth Rate: Grows at a slow rate.
• Non-Toxic: Safe for humans and pets, but the spines can cause injury.
• Medicinal Uses: Believed to have traditional medicinal uses for various conditions, including fever, inflammation, and pain. 

Note: While often referred to as "Pilosocereus azureus", Pilosocereus pachycladus is the currently recognized botanical name for this species.