Stenocereus

( sten - oh - SEER - ee - uss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of cacti is commonly called Pitaya or Organpipe Cactus, and includes species that need full sun and little water to perform well in the landscape. Species are native to the southwestern United States down through Mexico and Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean. They form clumps of cylindrical upright green fleshy stems to between 10 and 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide and often resemble trees or shrubs. Flowers are large and funnel to bell-shaped, typically opening at night or in the early morning. They can be shades of white, yellow, pink, purple, or red. The fruits that follow are fleshy and edible berries with vibrant pulp and tiny black seeds. Use these cacti in the landscape as focal points in mixed beds and borders, as living fences or security barriers, as windbreaks, or in xeriscaping. Take care when planting these cacti in the landscape, as their sharp spines pose a direct physical injury risk.

Stenocereus Species and Varietals

The genus Stenocereus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae and includes 22 distinct species. These cacti are closely related to those in Echinocereus (Hedgehog Cactus). The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek word stenós (στενός), meaning 'narrow' and the Latin word cēreus, meaning 'candle'. Stenocereus cacti grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 12-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Stenocereus eruca (Machaerocereus eruca) (Creeping Devil, Creeping Devil Cactus, Caterpillar Cactus, Chirinole, El Cactus que Camina, Cactus Errante)
This species, native to Baja California Sur, Mexico, forms unique patches of branching prostrate stems. The columnar stems are very spiny and grey-green, and lie flat, reaching just 8 to 12 inches tall. As one end of the stem dies, the other forms roots on its underside. Over the course of many years, these cacti will travel through the landscape, with stems branching and taking root toward growing tips. This traveling chain of growth provided the specific epithet eruca, which means caterpillar. Flowers are white, pink or yellow and open at night in response to rain. There is a rare, wild mutated Crested Form (f. cristata) which produces fan-like distorted stems.

Stenocereus griseus (Mexican Organ Pipe, Dagger Cactus, Pitaya, Pitayo de Mayo, Cardón Dato, Cacto Dato, Cardón Guajiro)
This species forms a tree-shaped cactus to 10 to 30 feet tall when mature. It produces a clear trunk and upright green stems. Flowers are white and bloom at night, lasting until the middle of the next day. Fruits that follow, known as Pitaya de Mayo, are spherical to elongated and can be white, yellow-green, red or dark purple with red flesh and thorns that shed when ripe. This species s native to Mexico and Central America down through northern South America and the Caribbean. Cultivar 'Phil McCracken' has a quirky, lumpy, distorted habit.

Stenocereus gummosus (Pitaya Agria, Baja Sour Pitaya)
These sprawling to shrubby cacti are native to Baja California, Mexico and reach up to between 3 and 9 feet tall when mature. Stems are green and will bend to the ground under their own weight. They can form spreading thickets to 33 feet or more across. Night-blooming flowers are 3 inches wide, followed by fruits that are nearly spherical and 2.5 to 3 inches wide. They are prized for their delicious, tangy flesh.

Stenocereus montanus (Sahuira, Pitaya Colorada)
This species of columnar cacti has a tree-like form with a smooth trunk and candelabra-like branches. Stems are green and clothed in spines. Flowers are pink-white or pure white and bloom at night, pollinated by bats. These cacti can reach up to 20 to 30 feet tall when mature.

Stenocereus queretaroensis (Querétaro Cactus, Pitaya, Pitaya de Querétaro)
This species is native to Mexico and is cultivated for its edible fruits. It forms a tree-like cactus with a candelabra branching structure. Branches are upturned and green with six to nine ribs. Flowers are white and funnel-shaped, blooming at night and remaining open until the following morning. Fruits that follow can be green, red, or purple, and 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. This is the species most widely and commercially cultivated for its fruit.

Stenocereus stellatus (Baja Organ Pipe Cactus, Xoconostle, Xoconochtle, Pitaya de Agosto, Jonocostle, Pitayo)
This shrub to tree-like species forms a short trunk and reaches up to between 6 and 15 feet tall when mature. Flowers are light pink and bloom at the top of the shoot, opening at nighttime. Fruits are green or red and reach up to 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. They are spherical or nearly round and have white, red, orange, yellow, or purple flesh with black seeds. This species is commercially cultivated for its fruits in arid and semi-arid regions.

Stenocereus thurberi (Organ Pipe Cactus, Pitaya Dulce, Sweet Cactus Fruit, Sweet Pitaya, Pitahaya de Mayo, Órgano, Ool)
This species, native to Mexico and the United States, grows in rocky desert climates. They form a single short trunk just above ground level that supports upright green stems that rarely branch. Flowers are white and open at night, closing by the following morning. They are usually pollinated by bats. Fruits can reach up to 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter and are olive green or reddish when ripe. They have deciduous spiny areoles that drop off as they ripen.

Caring for stenocereus

Take care when planting Stenocereus in the landscape, as their sharp spines pose a direct physical injury risk. Plant these cacti in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best overall growth. As seedlings and as they establish a strong root system, they appreciate some shelter, in the wild emerging in the shade of larger plants. During times of temperature extremes or other weather events, make sure to provide protection, and provide at least afternoon shade for younger cacti. Ensure that soil is very well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline). These cacti need excellent drainage; soil that is amended with plenty of sand and perlite is ideal. Cacti do not need to be mulched.

These Cacti appreciate a 'soak and dry' watering method. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dried out during the growing season in spring and summertime. When plants are dormant in fall and winter, they should not be watered. They do not need to be fertilized, and rarely need pruning, as they are low-maintenance, slow-growing, and maintain their shape naturally. They typically thrive on neglect. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or diseased sections due to root or crown rot. Damaged spines and spent flowers can be removed at any time during the growing season (spring or summertime). Avoid cutting into healthy, green flesh as this can damage the plant and invite insect and disease to take hold. Stenocereus cacti can survive for a hundred years or more in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Stenocereus in Containers
These Cacti are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. This allows for growers in cooler climates to care for these warm-weather plants correctly; they should be brought indoors or into a greenhouse environment when outdoor temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a dry, very well-draining soil (peat amended with plenty of sand and perlite is typically sufficient), and top with a layer of rock mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Place the container in a space that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best overall growth. These Cacti appreciate a 'soak and dry' watering method. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dried out during the growing season in spring and summertime.

When plants are dormant in fall and winter, they should not be watered. They do not need to be fertilized, and rarely need pruning, as they are low-maintenance, slow-growing, and maintain their shape naturally. They typically thrive on neglect. Pruning is only necessary to remove dead or diseased sections due to root or crown rot. Damaged spines and spent flowers can be removed at any time during the growing season (spring or summertime). Avoid cutting into healthy, green flesh as this can damage the plant and invite insect and disease to take hold. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Stenocereus
Take care when harvesting Stenocereus fruits, as both fruits and plant stems are covered in clusters of sharp spines. Mishandling fruits can cause painful skin punctures, deep infections, or irritation of the eyes or respiratory system. Wear protective gear. Stenocereus cacti produce delicious fruits called Pitaya or Pitahaya. They are similar to Dragonfruits, and are berries with tart, sweet and vibrant pulp. The species most commonly grown for their fruits are Stenocereus thurberi (Organpipe Cactus), Stenocereus griseus (Pitaya de Mayo), Stenocereus gummosus (Sour Pitaya), Stenocereus stellatus (Pitaya de Agosto) and Stenocereus queretaroensis (Pitaya de Querétaro). The outer skin is covered in spines or thorns that will typically fall off or be able to be brushed away when the fruits are ripe. Peak ripeness windows for these fruits typically occur during the warmer months. They should be eaten or processed quickly after harvesting, and only have a shelf life of 24 to 48 hours. Pitaya fruits are mildly sweet and versatile, and are commonly included in salads, smoothies, sorbets and parfaits.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

There are two main ways to propagate Stenocereus: by offset and by seed. The easiest way is through offset because it requires the least amount of disruption to the parent plant and ensures that you will get an exact clone, which is something not guaranteed by the seed propagation method.

Propagating Stenocereus by Division
The easiest way to propagate Stenocereus is by identifying and dividing clumps and replanting the divisions. To propagate your Echinocereus by offset, you'll need a clean trowel and a pot filled with soil half amended with gritty sand (or filled with cactus/succulent mix). Once you've gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Loosen the soil around the bottom of your Cacti where the offset has formed and locate its connection to the parent plant. Cut it from the parent plant with a sharp, clean trowel or knife. Take care to not damage the offset or the parent plant during this process.
Then, place the offset in a shaded, dry area that receives good ventilation for a few days until it forms a callous where it was cut from the parent plant.
Plant your offset in a pot filled with potting mix and lightly moisten the soil, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the container in an area that receives bright light and stays relatively warm.
Water every time the top inch or two of soil dry out, but don't saturate the soil. After a few weeks of this watering schedule, the offset should be ready to be planted outside in its permanent home. Then, follow the instructions in the care section to grow your pup into an adult plant.

Propagating Stenocereus by Seed

Gather your materials and fill your pot with potting mix amended with plenty of sand and perlite (to increase drainage). Place the seeds on top of the soil about a centimeter apart, and cover them with a layer of coarse sand.
Water the seeds, being careful to not disturb their placement under the sand. Keep the seeds moist but not wet as they germinate, which should happen in 1 to 3 weeks' time. The pot or tray should be in an area that receives bright indirect light. It is important to attempt to germinate more than a few seeds, as it is likely that not all seeds will germinate successfully. After most of the seeds have germinated, increase ventilation and provide the seedlings with good light, but not direct sunlight. About five weeks after germination, cut watering to about once a week, allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings. Do not provide water if the soil is still moist.
Harden off seedlings by placing them outdoors for increasing amounts of time over a few weeks so that they do not experience transplant shock when they are planted in their forever home outdoors. Once established in the landscape, return to regular care guidelines above.