San Pedro Cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi): Sacred Andean Columnar

Overview

San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi, syn. Trichocereus pachanoi) is a fast-growing, columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains. It has been used for millennia in traditional Andean medicine and ceremony. The stems are blue-green, 4–8 inches thick, with 6–8 ribs and few short spines. It can reach 20 feet tall, branching from the base. In summer, huge, fragrant, white nocturnal flowers up to 9 inches across open at dusk. Easy to grow, it's a popular ornamental and grafting stock. Note: Contains mescaline; regulated in some jurisdictions.

Key Features

• Form: Columnar, branching at base; 10–20 ft tall.
• Stems: Blue-green, 6–8 ribs; small, sparse spines.
• Flowers: Huge, white, fragrant, nocturnal; 8–9 in; summer.
• Cultural Significance: Traditional Andean ceremonial plant.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to light shade. Best with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Water

Moderate in growing season; keep dry in winter. More water than desert cacti.

Soil

Rich, well-draining cactus mix with organic matter.

Propagation

Very easy from cuttings. Let callus, then plant.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Echinopsis (ek-in-OP-sis)
Species:	pachanoi (puh-KAH-no-ee)
Synonyms:	Trichocereus pachanoi, Cereus pachanoi