Stenocereus thurberi

( sten - oh - SEER - ee - uss     THUR - burr - ee )

At-A-Glance Information

Also known as Lemaireocereus thurberi and commonly called Organpipe Cactus, this genus of cacti is native to southern Arizona and northern Mexico, branching out from the base to form a 12-foot wide clump from which up to 30 dark green stems grow. These cacti need full sun and little water. The stems can reach 15-20 feet tall and 6 inches thick. White flowers bloom from mid- to late-spring, and have touches of pink to purple. They open up at night, and are followed by edible, sweet fruits. A popular variety is Stenocereus thurberi littoralis (or Stenocereus littoralis), and is native to southern Baja California. It grows to 5-10 feet tall and is somewhat sprawling in habit. Flowers open in the afternoon, not overnight, and are bright pink. These cacti grow best in zones 12-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Caring for stenocereus thurberi

These cacti need excellent drainage. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 613, Stenocereus thurberi
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