Echinopsis pasacana (Syn. Trichocerus) – Towering Desert Sentinel
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Echinopsis pasacana, commonly known as the Pasacana Cactus or Cardón Grande, is a striking columnar species native to the arid highlands of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Found at elevations up to 3,500 metres, this slow-growing giant can reach heights of 10 metres, making it one of the tallest cacti in its native habitat. Covered in dense spines, it thrives in extreme desert conditions and is an iconic presence in South American landscapes.
Distinctive Features
- Towering Growth: Can reach up to 10 metres in height, forming massive clumps over time.
- Thick, Ribbed Stems: The robust columnar stems feature deep ribs that expand and contract based on water storage.
- Sharp, Dense Spines: Covered in golden to brown spines that offer protection from herbivores and intense sunlight.
- White Night-Blooming Flowers: Large, trumpet-shaped white flowers appear at night, pollinated by bats and nocturnal insects.
- Edible Fruits: Produces small, spiny, red fruits that are consumed by local wildlife and indigenous communities.
Care Tips
- Light: Requires full sun to thrive, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water: Very drought-tolerant; water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Humidity: Prefers dry conditions; excessive humidity can lead to fungal issues.
- Media: Requires well-draining soil, such as a sandy or rocky cactus mix.
- Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions but can tolerate brief frosts down to -5°C.
- Fertiliser: Apply a diluted cactus fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer) once a month.
- Repotting: Infrequent repotting required, as it grows slowly and prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Shipping Schedule and Biosecurity Information
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Dispatch & Shipping Information
Non-Biosecurity States (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA): We now offer two dispatches per week for these regions:
- Tuesday Dispatch: Orders placed by Sunday 11:59 PM AEST.
- Friday Dispatch: Orders placed by Wednesday 11:59 PM AEST. Orders placed after these cut-offs will be dispatched on the next available day.
Biosecurity States (WA, NT, TAS): These orders require mandatory biosecurity treatment (PHC) and follow a specific weekly schedule:
- Cut-off: Orders must be placed by Thursday 11:59 PM AEST.
- Dispatch Day: Orders are processed over the weekend and dispatched on Tuesday.
Plant Health Certification (PHC) Fees:
- $20 fee applies to WA orders.
- $10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders. This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping costat checkout.
Important Note: We operate independently from Collectors Corner. For any enquiries, please refer to our contact page
Size: 66mm
