Cactaceae
Argentine Saguaro (Leucostele terscheckii)
Leucostele terscheckii
Easy, very drought-tolerant columnar cactus for full sun and fast-draining soil. Water deeply but rarely in the warm season, keep it dry in winter, and protect it from hard frost.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-7° - 45°C
% - %
Categories
What is Argentine Saguaro?
Argentine Saguaro (Leucostele terscheckii) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. Leucostele terscheckii, long known as Trichocereus terscheckii or Echinopsis terscheckii, is a giant tree-like cactus from the dry valleys and slopes of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia, between about 800 and 2000 m. Like the North American saguaro it forms a thick trunk with several upri...
Argentine Saguaro grows up to 12.0m, spread of 300cm, watering every 14 days, -7°C – 45°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Argentine Saguaro tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Argentine Saguaro?
TLDR: Argentine Saguaro needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -7-45°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Argentine Saguaro?
In spring and summer water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely, about every 2 weeks in pots and much less once established in the ground. In winter stop watering, especially in cool weather; wet cold soil causes rot.
How Much Light Does Argentine Saguaro Need?
Full sun gives the strongest growth and spines; it also accepts light shade. Indoors it needs the sunniest window or a grow light. Acclimate young plants gradually to strong sun to avoid sunburn.
What Is the Best Soil for Argentine Saguaro?
Gritty, fast-draining cactus mix with plenty of pumice, coarse sand or gravel. In the garden it tolerates many soil types as long as water never pools.
What Pot Should You Use for Argentine Saguaro?
Heavy terracotta or ceramic pot with large drainage holes, wide enough to keep a tall plant stable; plant in the ground when it gets big.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
What Is Argentine Saguaro and Where Does It Come From?
Leucostele terscheckii, long known as Trichocereus terscheckii or Echinopsis terscheckii, is a giant tree-like cactus from the dry valleys and slopes of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia, between about 800 and 2000 m. Like the North American saguaro it forms a thick trunk with several upright branches and can reach 10-12 m, which is why it is called the Argentine saguaro. The stems have 8-18 ribs armed with long golden-yellow spines. In late spring and summer a mature plant opens dozens to hundreds of large white or creamy flowers along the sides of the stems; they open at night and stay open into the next day, followed by round greenish fruits. It is the emblematic cactus of the Los Cardones National Park in Salta.
How to Propagate Argentine Saguaro?
Seed
Seedlings are slow for the first years; it can take decades to flower from seed.
- 1 Sow fresh seed on the surface of fine, gritty cactus mix
- 2 Press in lightly without covering
- 3 Keep warm (20-28 C), bright and humid under a clear cover
- 4 Gradually ventilate and give more light as seedlings grow
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
Cut at a slight angle and keep the cutting dry until it roots; a cutting that was oriented upright must be planted the same way up.
- 1 Wearing thick gloves, cut a branch or stem tip with a clean knife
- 2 Let the cut surface dry and callus for 2-4 weeks in the shade
- 3 Stand the cutting upright in dry gritty mix, supported if needed
- 4 Start light watering once roots form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Argentine Saguaro Grow?
TLDR: Argentine Saguaro can reach up to 12.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
12.0m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Argentine Saguaro?
TLDR: Argentine Saguaro is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Fun Facts
It is the cactus that gives its name to Los Cardones National Park in Argentina.
A single large plant can open hundreds of white flowers in one season.
Its flowers open at night and stay open well into the following day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Trichocereus terscheckii the same as Leucostele terscheckii?
How cold can the Argentine saguaro tolerate?
How often should I water it?
Is the Argentine saguaro toxic?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
