How to Grow and Care for Stenocereus

Organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) is a cactus found in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona within the United States is named after the organ pipe cactus. This species grows in rocky deserts and is called pitaya dulce, or sweet cactus fruit, in Mexico.

The multiple upright columns of gray ghost organ pipe bear a marked resemblance to the organ pipes for which it is named. This cactus produces an apple-sized edible fruit popular in its native Mexico. Its spiked, fleshy stems make it a popular ornamental species grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Galloping cactus is a spiny, cactus species with a sprawling, arborescent form native to the arid regions of Mexico. Its thick, flesh-colored stems grow irregularly, reaching towards the sun, punctuated by ribbed surfaces and sharp spines that offer protection and minimize water loss. In spring, prominent, nocturnal flowers bloom, later developing into tart, edible fruits that sustain local wildlife.

Octopus cactus is a sculptural columnar cactus towering with ribbed stems, native to Mexico's arid landscapes. It's adapted to survive in harsh climates with minimal water through its thick, waxy skin which reduces water loss. The cactus blooms nocturnal flowers that transform into juicy fruits, providing sustenance for local wildlife.

Stenocereus montanus is a robust cactus that typically thrives in rocky desert terrain. It features thick, upright stems crowned with smaller branches, each boasting prominent ridges lined with clusters of spines. The stems, reaching skyward, exhibit a green to blue-green hue, contrasting with nocturnal white flowers that invite pollinating bats. Adapted to arid climates, stenocereus montanus stores water in its stout stems, crucial for surviving prolonged droughts.