Stenocereus thurberi
Organ Pipe Cactus
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Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Description
The Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. The species is found in rocky desert. Two subspecies are recognized based on their distribution and height. The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is named for the species. It is locally known as pitaya dulce, Spanish for "sweet pitaya" or sweet cactus fruit.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Blooming
Blooms flowers in spring or summer that are usually nocturnal. Followed by spiny, fleshy fruits.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Growth
Grows best in full sun, or full light, and prefers low humidity. In places where temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C), raise plants indoors in a warm greenhouse. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C).In warmer regions, grow Stenocereus in a desert garden.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring at 70ºF (21ºC). Can also propagate from stem cuttings in summer.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Pest
Affected by scale insects and aphids during flowering.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Interesting facts
The prototypical cactus looks like a tall cylinder with spines. A tall cylinder would have the least amount of surface area facing the sun when it is directly overhead. This growth pattern provides an advantage to the cactus so that it will absorb the least amount of light when it is hottest time of day. The Creeping Devil (Stenocereus eruca) has the same cylindrical growth, but this cylinder is laying on its side. A cylinder on its side will absorb a lot of sunlight when the sun is directly overhead. The Creeping Devil gets around this by having extraordinarily wide spines on the side of the stem that is facing the sun. The spines not only are wide to intercept sunlight, but they are also white to reflect more light away from the stem of the cactus. These unique spines prevent the Creeping Devil from overheating under the beating, hot sun.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) - Soil and irrigation
Does best in gritty soil that is poor to moderately fertile, humus-rich and sharply draining. A mix of 3 parts standard cactus potting mix and 1 part leaf mold is fine for indoor plants. Water moderately from midspring to early fall. Best to keep completely dry at other times.
