Description

Trichocereus Peruvianus | Echinopsis Peruviana | Peruvian Torch Cactus

The Peruvian Torch (Trichocereus peruvianus, syn. Echinopsis peruviana) is a fast-growing, columnar cactus native to the Andean highlands of Peru. Renowned for its beautiful blue-green skin, this species typically develops 6–9 well-defined ribs adorned with clusters of golden to honey-brown spines, giving it a striking and highly ornamental appearance.

In its natural habitat, the Peruvian Torch thrives at elevations of 2,000–3,000 meters, where cool nights and intense sunlight encourage its rich coloration. Mature plants can reach heights of 3–6 meters in ideal conditions and, in summer, may produce large, fragrant, white, nocturnal flowers up to 20 cm across.

This cactus is prized not only for its beauty but also for its hardiness and ease of cultivation, making it a staple in cactus collections worldwide. Whether grown in the ground in frost-free climates or in pots for colder regions, it adapts well with minimal care.

It is closely related to San Pedro Cactus, but much less common. It is similar in appearance, but has longer spines and has a darker colour, sometimes being glaucous. It grows much like San Pedro and is even more hardy and does exceptionally well in colder climates.