Trichocereus candicans (Argentine Giant)

Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusTrichocereus
Speciescandicans
SynonymsCereus gladiatus, Helianthocereus pseudocandicans, Echinopsis pseudocandicans, Trichocereus pseudocandicans, Trichocereus neolamprochlorus, Echinopsis courantii, Trichocereus candicans, Cereus candicans, Trichocereus courantii.
CategoryTropicals
OriginNorthern and western Argentina.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-9.4 - 10
Temperature (°F)15 - 50
Flowering PeriodMarch, April, May, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA cylindrical cactus that has a shrub-like growth habit.
CultivationPrefers a drying period between waterings, even to the point where they slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. Do not expose to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let it sit in a dish of water. Fertilizing during the growing season will give best results. Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. When repotting, make sure the soil is dry.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Bark/Stem Description15 cm in diameter and have 9–11 low ribs. The large areoles are spaced at 3 cm and produce a large amount of spines. The central spines being up to 10 cm long, the radial spines only up to 4 cm.
Flower DescriptionFragrant lowers are large, up to 20 cm in diameter, up to 25 cm long and only open at night.
Colour DescriptionStems are light green. Flowers are white when open, pink when closed, and have yellow centres. The areoles are white and produce brownish yellow to white spines.

Photographs