Stenocereus dumortieri
A large, tree-like cactus, up to 15m high in its native range, though often smaller in cultivation. Plants have upright, branching, blue-green stems, each with 5-8 triangular ribs, and areoles bearing yellowish white spines. Mature plants produce nocturnal flowers, with short, pale green to white petals in summer, followed by oval-shaped red fruits
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue | White Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Blue | Red | ||
| Winter | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass, or in patio containers and overwinter in a greenhouse. Plant in a sharply-draining cactus mix and position in full sun. Water moderately when in growth, keep dry over winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 21ºC in spring, or by stem cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Maybe susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and to aphids while flowering
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.