How Fast Does Pachycereus Marginatus Grow?

How Fast Does Pachycereus Marginatus Grow?

Pachycereus Marginatus, sometimes known as the fence post cactus, is found over most of northern Mexico along the Border States.

It can grow swiftly in the summer months, up to 3 feet recorded, due to adaptability to the Gulf of Mexico’s summer monsoon season.

However, the plants spread far into drier regions, where they are thinner and develop slower.

This illustrates that they like summer water in the desert since it is what they require in their environment.

The tasty edible flesh within the fence post fruit is white with crunchy black seeds.

They are adored by all birds, who seem to recognize the minute they ripen in the heat, for the next day, they are nothing more than hollow shells of spines and red skin.

How Do You Take Care Of Pachycereus Marginatus?

The Pachycereus Marginatus is endemic to Central Mexico but has spread throughout the country.

Columnar trunks can grow up to 20 feet tall and generate short, spherical stems that resemble a pipe organ, as one of the popular names suggests.

Fence post cactus is the most frequent name for this cactus, which originated in Mexico and is used to build live fences, primarily along highways.

Pachycereus Marginatus need the following for survival:

Sunlight Requirements

Because the Pachycereus Marginatus is endemic to arid environments, it is accustomed to direct sunshine.

It prefers full sun to moderate shade and should be planted in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sunshine every day.

If you keep your Pachycereus Marginatus in a container indoors, keep it in a warm location with plenty of direct sunshine. Choose a room that faces the south if you are in the northern hemisphere.

This often has the greatest natural light. Your Pachycereus Marginatus will thrive on a window sill.

If you do not have a room in your house that receives enough direct sunshine, it is best to use a grow light for your Pachycereus Marginatus.

This unique electric light is meant to replicate natural light, allowing your plants to photosynthesize.

Photosynthesis is the process through which plants use natural light to generate chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is required for the plant’s nutrition.

If the plant does not receive enough direct sunshine, it will be unable to generate enough chlorophyll to fulfill its nutritional requirements.

If you are using a grow light, spin your plant every few days to ensure that it receives equal light exposure from all sides. This ensures even growth.

If you decide to relocate your Pachycereus Marginatus from inside to outside, make the transition gradually. Begin by taking it outside for one hour every day for a few days, gradually increasing the time it is left outside.

In this manner, your succulent will gradually adjust to the shift in the environment.

Water Requirements

Pachycereus Marginatus is a plant that can survive on its own most of the time, if at all.

Because they grow in desert-like circumstances, you should try to replicate the same setting at home.

Overwatering, as with most plants, is more detrimental than underwatering. During the summer growth season, water your Pachycereus Marginatus once the soil has totally dried from the last watering.

Depending on your preferences, this may be once a week or once every other week. Watering is not necessary during the winter months.

You want the cactus to enjoy a pleasant slumber in the cooler months, so keeping them dry is critical.

Soil Requirements

The pH of the soil is unimportant to the Pachycereus Marginatus as long as it is not too high. The most crucial factor to consider is that the soil has good drainage.

The soil should mix cactus potting and mineral grit, with around 30% cactus soil and 70% mineral grit. This ensures that the soil has enough drainage.

The mineral grit might be coarse sand, pumice, perlite, or a mixture of these materials. The three components can be combined in equal proportions to form 70% of the soil’s makeup.

When moist, fine sand tends to clump and adhere together. Because coarse sand has bigger particles than fine sand, it drains more freely.

Aeration of the soil is required for drainage. Pumice is a form of stone that contains microscopic gas bubbles. When combined with cactus soil, it aerates the soil, allowing for better drainage.

Perlite is composed of volcanic minerals. It is made up of big particles that contain a lot of water. When put to the soil, it aerates it, allowing water to flow easily.

Fertilization Requirements

Fertilizing is not strictly essential for Pachycereus Marginatus, however, it would be helpful to use some to aid in its growth.

A cactus fertilizer purchased at a store might suffice. During the warm growth season, fertilize once a month with an equal mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

In the winter, avoid fertilizing Pachycereus Marginatus in the same way you would avoid watering it. This is the period to induce this plant’s hibernation or dormancy.

Fertilizers, in general, contain nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Humidity Requirements

Although Pachycereus Marginatus can endure high temperatures, the same cannot be true for humidity.

Any amount of humidity or moisture can hurt this cactus, causing its roots and stems to decay and making it susceptible to fungal illnesses.

The amount of water you use is proportional to the humidity. When you water this cactus plant, the majority of the water is already stored in the thick tubercles, allowing it to survive in dry and freezing circumstances.

As a result, you don’t have to worry about overwatering them because they have a low to nil tolerance for humidity.

If you want a quantitative reference point for humidity, aim for moisture levels of around 30%. This would be the most secure option. These plants can withstand prolonged periods of drought.

Temperature Requirements

The desert plant Pachycereus Marginatus As a result, it is used in extremely hot circumstances. It flourishes in areas with continual high temperatures.

If you reside in a milder region, you may plant your Pachycereus Marginatus directly into outdoor beds, where it will thrive in the warmth.

The Pachycereus Marginatus is not particularly durable and will not be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Cold temperatures will be too big of a shock for your succulent, and it will die as a result.

If you reside in a region where the temperatures are routinely below freezing, it is best to grow your Pachycereus Marginatus in containers. They can then be taken inside when the weather gets chilly.

If the temperature falls below 25° Fahrenheit, bring your Pachycereus Marginatus inside. Any temperature below 25°F is likely to cause severe harm to your succulent.

If you reside in a region where frost is common in the winter, your Pachycereus Marginatus will need to be covered. It will not tolerate frost exposure well.

Frost damage happens when the leaves are frozen for many hours or more. The leaves will begin to die and become mushy and brown. The ice crystals effectively cut off the circulation of the plant.

How Do You Propagate Pachycereus Marginatus?

Pachycereus Marginatus is simple to grow. It can spread in a variety of ways. Cuttings or seeds are the most effective methods of propagation.

Propagating From A Cutting

Cuttings are the most effective way to propagate the Pachycereus Marginatus.

Always use a sharp pair of gardening scissors or a clean, razor-sharp knife.

If the scissors or knife are filthy, the newly cut surface can absorb bacteria that can contaminate and infect the plant.

This will prevent the cutting from successfully developing.

Remove as much of the Pachycereus Marginatus as possible from the stem.

Allow it to totally dry. It should create a callus within a few days. This will aid in effective propagation. If the cutting has completely dried out and a callus has formed, it is more likely to take root.

After the cutting has dried for a few days, put it in a container of well-prepared soil with adequate drainage.

Little shoots will begin to grow from the callused end of the incision as long as there is enough light and water.

Water the cutting every few days at first to encourage it to take root. It will soon begin to expand.

Once the new plant is established, you may lessen the frequency of watering and begin following the watering parameters outlined above.

Propagating From Seeds

It is possible to propagate the Pachycereus Marginatus from seeds, however, it is not always effective.

The seeds must be well dried before being planted in a small container with sufficient drainage.

Once you have healthy plants, you will need to repot them into larger pots.

How Fast Does Pachycereus Marginatus Grow?

Pachycereus Marginatus grows slowly, comparable to some of its cactus relatives.

Low-care plants are very easy to manage in your house because they require little to no help.

Though it is said that growing your Pachycereus Marginatus outside will make it grow faster. If properly cared for, it has the ability to grow 1 meter tall per year.

In general, they may grow to be four meters tall or about 12 feet tall. The plant’s stems feature 5 to 7 ribs, each around 4 inches in diameter.

They have areoles that are one centimeter apart. The spines that develop on them can be up to 1 cm long. The spines of growing plants are often longer than those of mature plants.

How Often Do I Need To Repot Pachycereus Marginatus?

Growing succulents is a rewarding hobby for avid gardeners. They are normally fairly robust and are not easily injured.

When they need to be repotted, however, it is critical to do it appropriately to protect the plant. Incorrect or negligent repotting might injure the plant and create irreversible damage.

When repotting, keep the following parameters in mind:

• Your cactus must constantly have adequate space for its roots to spread. This allows the plant to reach its maximum potential.
• A Pachycereus Marginatus may develop pretty quickly under the correct conditions. Every two or three years, Pachycereus Marginatus may require repotting.
• Carefully monitor and keep an eye on your plant’s progress.
• When the succulent appears to be outgrowing its container, it is time to repot.
• If the roots are visible through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, the plant has outgrown its container. It now needs more room and should be repotted in a larger pot.
• Because of the thorny spikes on the Pachycereus Marginatus, it might be difficult to handle the plant without injuring oneself. Getting the spikes caught in your flesh is extremely painful and uncomfortable.
• Wearing thick gardening gloves is the greatest approach to protect your hands. If you do not have gloves, it is critical that you protect your hands with something like a towel or a piece of newspaper.