Espostoa blossfeldiorum [large]

Espostoa blossfeldiorum (previously Thrixanthocereus) (Buxbaum): A tall, columnar cactus from northern Peru. Mature plants in the wild can reach up to 13.0' tall, but indoor growing will keep them shorter. The stem stays under 4.0" in diameter and is lined with 18-25 spined ribs. It blooms with slender, yellow flowers that smell of carrion to attract pollinator flies. Mature plants can branch and grow "beards" of woolly, white hair (pseudocephalium) that run down one side of their stems. This plant is fully rooted in a 3.5" pot.

This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.

Full Cactus Guide