Care of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum or Indian Comb |
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The genus Pachycereus, family Cactaceae, includes about 10 species of cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum, Pachycereus marginatus, Pachycereus weberi, Pachycereus pringlei, Pachycereus schottii. Common names: Indian Comb, Hairbrush cactus, Aborigine's Comb, Organ-pipe Cactus, Chik. This species is native to the west coast of Mexico. They are slow-growing arborescent cacti that can branch and reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have 10-12 ribs with areoles 1 cm (0.39") in diameter. The short radial spines (8 to 12) are whitish in color and the central spines (1 to 3) are grey. Large white flowers up to 8 cm (3.14") appear on the top of the cactus. The prickly fruits are edible. They are used in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes and in cactus and succulent gardens. Young specimens can be grown in pots for patios and terraces. The Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. The temperature should not be lower than 7 ºC (44.6 ºF). The soil can be a 50/50 mix of leaf litter and coarse sand or a commercial cactus potting mix with 20% coarse sand. Water regularly in spring and summer, waiting until the substrate has almost completely dried out; reduce watering in fall and no watering in winter. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. They do not need pruning. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering and intense cold. They are propagated from spring sown seeds and by stem cuttings. |
Images of the cactus Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum or Indian Comb |
 Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum  Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum |