Description

Trichocereus Pachanoi | San Pedro Cactus Seeds

The San Pedro Cactus is a remarkable plant, admired for its unique appearance, cultural significance. Trichocereus pachanoi, commonly known as San Pedro Cactus, is a tall, columnar cactus native to South America. It’s prized for its ornamental appeal. This cactus features ribbed, blue-green stems with white spines and beautiful white, night-blooming flowers. Due to its traditional use in shamanic rituals for its psychoactive properties, it holds cultural significance. It serves as a symbol of the intricate connection between the natural world and human spirituality, making it a subject of enduring interest and study.

This cactus is a stunning addition to your garden or collection, it is easy  to work with as its spines are quite short. Its cultivation requires well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and infrequent watering. Trichocereus Pachanoi or  Echinopsis pachanoi is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions and can handle more water than most cacti, making it a good cactus species for beginners. T. Pachanoi can be frost hardy for short periods. It’s important to protect it from frost and harsh, direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn. Trichocereus pachanoi should be kept in partial rather than full sun and the soil should be well-draining and rich in organic nutrients and minerals.

See our cactus propagation page for seed sowing tips.

About Trichocereus pachanoi

Trichocereus pachanoi, known as the  San Pedro Cactus aka Echinopsis pachanoi , is a fascinating and iconic species of cactus that has captivated botanists, enthusiasts, and those interested in entheogenic plants for many years.

This distinctive cactus, botanically classified as Trichocereus pachanoi, holds a special place in the world of botany due to its unique characteristics, and the presence of psychoactive compounds within its columnar stems.

San Pedro Cactus is native to the Andes region of South America, where it thrives in the rugged landscapes of countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. It’s an incredibly hardy plant, adapted to harsh conditions and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

The cactus typically grows tall, with mature specimens often reaching heights of up to 20 feet or more.

Its stems are ribbed and can vary in colour from a bluish-green to a muted gray-green, with prominent short white spines that protrude from the rib edges.

One of the most striking features of the San Pedro Cactus is its magnificent, night-blooming flowers. These large, white, funnel-shaped blossoms, often with a diameter of several inches, add to the cactus’s allure. The flowers release a sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators, such as moths and bats, under the cover of darkness.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the San Pedro Cactus has significant cultural and traditional value, particularly in the indigenous communities of the Andes. For centuries, it has been used in shamanic rituals and traditional healing practices. The cactus is considered a sacred plant, and its consumption is believed to facilitate spiritual experiences, introspection, and a deeper connection with the natural world.  It’s important to note that the use plants is subject to legal restrictions in many parts of the world, and responsible and informed use is essential.