Cactaceae
Pasacana (Trichocereus pasacana)
Trichocereus pasacana
It needs strong sun and soil that drains fast. Water in summer and keep it nearly dry in winter. Young plants like light shade. Hot, humid climates are hard on it.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-9° - 30°C
% - %
Categories
What is Pasacana?
Pasacana (Trichocereus pasacana) is a medium-care plant from the Cactaceae family. Pasacana is a giant Andean cactus from northern Argentina and Bolivia, growing between 2,000 and 4,000 m. It looks a lot like a saguaro, with a thick trunk up to 80 cm across and arms that reach upward. It grows very slowly to about 10 m and can live for more than 300 years. The rose-white flowers a...
Pasacana grows up to 10.0m, watering every 14 days, -9°C – 30°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Pasacana is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Pasacana?
TLDR: Pasacana needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -9-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Pasacana?
In summer, water and then let the soil dry out completely. In winter, keep it nearly dry.
How Much Light Does Pasacana Need?
Light shade when young and full sun once mature.
What Is the Best Soil for Pasacana?
Use a cactus mix with added grit so the water runs straight through.
What Pot Should You Use for Pasacana?
A wide, deep pot with drainage holes, since it needs root room. Repot every other year while it still fits in a container.
Care Schedule
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Pasacana and Where Does It Come From?
Pasacana is a giant Andean cactus from northern Argentina and Bolivia, growing between 2,000 and 4,000 m. It looks a lot like a saguaro, with a thick trunk up to 80 cm across and arms that reach upward. It grows very slowly to about 10 m and can live for more than 300 years. The rose-white flowers are 10 to 14 cm long, open in the evening and last 18 to 40 hours.
How to Propagate Pasacana?
From seed
This is the best route for this cactus, but it takes patience: growth is very slow.
- 1 Scatter seed on top of cactus mix without burying it.
- 2 Keep it at about 20 °C (68 °F).
- 3 Keep the mix slightly moist until seedlings appear.
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
Watering too soon makes the cutting rot.
- 1 Cut a piece of stem in spring.
- 2 Let the cut dry until it forms a callus.
- 3 Plant in barely moist cactus mix until it roots.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Pasacana Grow?
TLDR: Pasacana can reach up to 10.0m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
10.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- Botanical references list the fruit as edible. Confirm with a local source before eating it.
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Pasacana?
TLDR: Pasacana is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
It can live for more than 300 years.
Cardón wood shows up in traditional house roofs and chairs around Tilcara, Argentina.
Plants at higher altitudes grow white fluff that shields them from frost and harsh sun.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a pasacana get?
How much cold can it take?
How often should I water it?
Can you eat the fruit?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
