Pachycereus marginatus - Mexican Fence Post Cactus

Mexican Fence Post Cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) (Britton & Rose): A tall, columnar cactus that can be grown into a living fence. The stems rarely branch and they can reach up to 16.0' in their natural habitat. The stems are lined with 4-7 wide ribs that are highlighted by bright white areoles. These ridges of areoles are spined and also bloom with red to pink, funnelform flowers.

This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of temperatures below 40F, it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.