Stenocereus beneckei f. inermis

Stenocereus beneckei f. inermis

You will receive this exact specimen.
Measures 5" tall above the soil line.
Roots as shown.
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Will be shipped bare root.  

Stenocereus beneckei f. inermis: The Spineless Wonder

Stenocereus beneckei f. inermis, also known as the "Ghost White Boobie" cactus, is a unique and sought-after form of the Stenocereus beneckei cactus known for its striking lack of spines. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to central Mexico. 

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Shrubby cactus with erect or decumbent, bluish-green or bronze-green stems up to 6.5 feet (2 m) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
• White Coating (Farina): The stems, particularly the growing tips, are covered in a dense, powdery silvery-white waxy coating called farina. This coating protects the plant from intense sunlight and also repels water, keeping the surface clean. In natural outdoor environments, the bloom diminishes, revealing a gray-green flesh.
• Spines (or lack thereof): The defining characteristic of this form is its significantly reduced spines, often almost entirely spineless. While the species Stenocereus beneckei typically has spines, the "inermis" form is cultivated for its striking spineless appearance.
• Ribs: Features 5 to 9 strongly tuberculate, obtuse ribs, separated by narrow intervals.
• Flowers: Night-blooming, narrowly funnel-shaped, cream or greenish-brown colored flowers, 4 cm or more in length.
• Fruits: Ellipsoid, initially green, turning red as they mature, up to 5 cm long and 3 cm in diameter with colorless flesh. 

Care and Cultivation:

• Sunlight: Requires plenty of full sun, ideally 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, but a minimum of 5 hours.
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures (above 70°F) and is cold-intolerant. It is best to bring it indoors when night temperatures consistently fall below 50°F.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Soil: Prefers a gritty, sharply draining mix, such as cactus soil or a mix amended with sand and pumice.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by seed or cuttings. 

Origin:

Stenocereus beneckei is native to central Mexico, where it grows on sunny slopes and rocky cliffs. The specific epithet "beneckei" honors Stephan Benecke, a succulent trader who sold cacti to Kew Gardens in the late 19th century. 

Note: The spineless form of Stenocereus beneckei, while visually stunning, may be more challenging to root than the spiny form.