This is only a partial list of the plants and seeds we have available. Send $2 ($4 international) for our complete illustrated catalog.
The Cactus Family
For general cultivation info and details on how to easily grow cacti from seed see our cultivation page.
Genus Ariocarpus
Seven known species of small, slow growing, spineless, tubercled cacti. All species are native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico, with one species, A. fissuratus, extending up into southern Texas. Plants are generally found in very rocky terrain, often growing flush with the ground. Their large taproot reaches deep into the earth, enabling them to survive the harsh desert conditions. They are believed to live for hundreds of years. All species of this remarkable genera are extremely endangered due to habitat destruction from human activities and over collection for the cactus trade. Several species are revered for their medicinal and magical properties by indigenous peoples. The mucilage in the roots of most species is used as a glue. Plants are slow from seed and don’t grow into their mature flowering form until 5-8 years of age. Grafting seedlings can produce mature plants in as little as 1-3 years. In captivity, Ariocarpus need a potting mix of at least 50% pumice stone. Contrary to popular belief, these plants thrive with thorough and regular waterings during hot summer weather, provided they are well rooted and have optimal sun. A dry winter rest period is needed. Treated well they will produce an abundance of brilliant flowers September through December. All Z9a-b if kept dry. For Ariocarpus hybrids see our Rare Plant List.
Ariocarpus bravoanus ssp. hintonii (=Ariocarpus fissuratus v. hintonii)
Small flattened stem to 2.5″ in diameter. Intricately wrinkled triangular tubercles with wooly central furrows. Pink flowers. This Ariocarpus was discovered near Charcas, San Luis Potosi in 1984 and has since been found at two other sites near Matehuala. Only a few thousand plants are believed to exist in these restricted localities. Unfortunately these plants have already been heavily collected for the black market nursery trade. The late Charles Glass reported that this cactus is also gathered by locals for use in home remedies as pain killers. All of this collecting has seriously affected the wild populations and extinction looks imminent unless serious action is taken. Growing your own from seed may help relieve some pressure on the wild populations and will serve to provide plant material for the future investigation of the medicinal properties of this cactus.
Seed packet $4
Ariocarpus fissuratus “Hikuli Sunami”
The famous living rock cactus. Flattened stem, grayish to brownish green triangular tubercles with a deeply wrinkled surface and wooly central grooves. Large pink to magenta flowers. Grows in southern Texas and northern Mexico. Once utilized by the Tarahumara for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. It was said to be more powerful and effective than Lophophora. It was used externally for wound healing and internally to remedy fevers and relieve rheumatic pain. Pieces of tubercles were chewed by long distance runners for their stimulant properties. This beautiful cactus is believed to bring protection and good luck. Sadly, plants are still being illegally collected out of south Texas for the nursery trade. Grow your own!
Seed packet $3
1″ seedling 6-7 years old $10
1.5-2″ + plant 8-9 years old $14
Ariocarpus fissuratus v. lloydii
An incredible variety of the living rock cactus with smooth rounded tubercles, sometimes completely lacking a fissure. Tends to grow larger in width and heighth than the regular species. Pink purple flowers. Populations of this unusual Mexican plant occur near Parras, Coahuila and westwards towards Nazas, Durango. Has the same medicinal attributes as the type species.
Seed packet $4
1.5-2″+ plant 9-10 years old $15
Ariocarpus retusus v. furfuraceus
A northern form with shorter, more rounded tubercles and larger fuzzy areoles. Large white flowers that turn to pink as they fade.
Seed packet $3
2″+ plant 7-8 years old $14
Ariocarpus trigonus “Chaute”
Bizzare species with dark green claw-like tubercles which curve towards the center of the plant. Bright yellow flowers. Occurs along the eastern edge of the Sierra Madre Oriental and on into some of the nearby valleys. Natural hybrids with A. retusus are known to occur.
Seed packet $3
2″ plant 7-8 years old $14
Astrophytum asterias
Flattened globular cactus up to 7″ in diameter. 6–10 evenly divided ribs with round fuzzy areoles and white flecking. Large yellow flowers. Found in limited areas of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Grows in many of the same habitats as Lophophora which it closely resembles. Becoming increasingly endangered in the wild due to over collection and mostly habitat destruction through agricultural development. Easy and rewarding from seed. Prefers some shade and a soil mix with excellent drainage. Tolerant of mild frost if kept dry. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Astrophytum myriostigma v. quadricostatum “Bishop’s Cap”
Chunky globular cactus to 6″ in diameter and height. This rare and much sought after variety has only 4 ribs completely covered in minute white-gray scales. Felty areoles with no spines. Large yellow flowers bloom all summer. Found growing in areas of central Mexico. Z9b
Seed packet $3
1.5″+ plant 3 years old $6.50
Armatocereus balsasensis KK 1345
Gray-green columnar stems to 25′ high. 5-10+ ribs and small spines up to 1″ long. Jointed branches. White nocturnal flowers. Occurs in Cajamarca and Amazonas, north Peru. Unidentified Armatocereus stem sections are used to purify water in Ecuador. Seed collected by the infamous Karel Knize near Balsas at 3000′. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Aztekium ritteri
A unique miniature cactus. Pale-green depressed globular stems with 9–11 heavily wrinkled ribs. Close-set areoles that produce small papery spines and light brown wool. Delicate white and pink flowers arise from the center of the plant in summer. Forms multi-headed clumps with age. This species grows in a single isolated valley in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Within this valley it occurs solely on vertical or near vertical limestone and gypsum cliffs. Highly prized by collectors. Easy, but one of the slowest cacti from seed. Z9b
Seed packet $3
1–1.5″+ grafted plant $15 (grafted to order, allow 2–3 weeks)
Blossfeldia liliputana
The smallest known cactus. Forms little clusters of multiple flattened disc-shaped stems that rarely exceed 3/4″ in diameter. The tiny gray-green bodies have no ribs or tubercles, just spiraling areoles bearing tufts of wool and no spines. Yellow flowers and tuberous roots. Native to northern Argentina and southern Bolivia where the plants are found growing on rocky slopes and often between cracks in the sides of vertical stone cliffs. Except for certain parasites and aquatics, this species possesses the lowest density of stomata of any terrestrial flowering plant. This remarkable miniature has been found to lose up to 80% of its moisture in one year and then survive drought for an additional year, making it very similar to mosses and lichens in being adapted to withstand near complete loss of moisture! The miniscule seeds should be sown on the surface of a very finely sifted soil mix. These plants are very slow growing and should be watered by carefully misting with a hand held spray bottle until they are large enough to be watered normally. Some shade is preferred and a very well draining potting mix. We have even heard of people successfully growing this plant on a porous rock. Because of their slow growth rate, Blossfeldias are often grafted. A true wonder of the vegetal kingdom. Z9b
Seed packet $2.50
Cipocereus bradei
Startling bright blue columns to 10′ tall. 8-11 rounded ribs and small black spines. White tubular nocturnal flowers to 3″ followed by 2″ blue fruit. Superficially resembles Trichocereus bridgesii. A rare and much sought after species from Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Z10a-b
Seed packet $3
Inquire for plants
Corryocactus brevistylus BK09424.1 “Sanky”
Attractive Trichocereus peruvianus-like columnar cactus from southern Peru. Stems 10–20′ tall, spines up to 9″ long! Yellow tubular flowers and softball size fruit. Fruit purchased at one of the large traditional markets in Lima city. The flesh of the huge fruit is amazingly sour, as acidic as a lemon. Considered a liver and kidney tonic. We blended the pulp with a little honey-water to make a delicious and refreshing sanky-ade. More tolerant of cold and aridity than any lemon tree, could substitute in areas where lemons can’t grow. Z8b
Seed packet $4
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ‘Pecos, NM’
A nice form of the hedgehog cactus with fat blue green stems, 1–4 radial spines per areole and red orange flowers. From seed we originally collected near the small town of Pecos in northern New Mexico. Sweet edible fruit. The Tarahumara consider closely related E. triglochidiatus v. neomexicanus to be sacred and utilize it for magical and medicinal purposes. Z7b
Seed packet $2.50
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ‘White Sands, NM’
Robust giant form the hedgehog cactus that grows to 3′ + tall! Stout spines, carmine flowers. Good size edible fruit. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Echinocereus triglochidiatus v. mojavensis f. inermis
Gray-green stems to 6″ tall, almost completely spineless. Red flowers in spring. Forms large clusters with age. This rare, mostly spineless form is found growing on the mesas and mountains of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. Z7b
Seed packet $3
2-3″ plant $10
Epithelantha micromeris ”Hikuli Mulato”
A small button cactus with minute dense white spines. Tiny pink flowers arise from the wooly crown, followed by club-shaped bright pink fruit. Revered by the Tarahumara of the eastern range of the Sierra Madre Occidental, it is utilized by shamans to heighten perception and clear the senses. The whole plant, including fruit, is used as a stimulant and protective charm by runners. Also known to prolong life. Prefers a soil with excellent drainage. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Espostoa lanata “Pishicol Negro”
A unique tree-like branching cactus up to 20′+ tall. 2.5–4″ diameter stems bearing many reddish or yellowish short spines. Multitudinous little hairs cover the stems creating the appearence that they are enclosed in spun wool. Produces a lateral cephalium; an extra thick wool that grows along one side of the upper 3′ of mature stems. The small nocturnal funnel flowers, white to purple colored, bloom from the cephalium. Round red-purple fruits, good flavor. A variable species from southern Ecuador and northern Peru. In Peru, hairs from the cephalium are used as a pillow stuffing and the stems reported as a San Pedro substitute. Z9a
Seed packet $2.50
Harrisia pomanensis “Pitaya”
Tropical semi-epiphytic cactus with long thin stems having 4-7 ribs and small spines. Large funnel form white flowers, nocturnal and sweet. Prolific 2″ red fruit with sweet white flesh. Native to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Easy to grow, shows promise as a fruit crop. Z10b
Seed packet $2.75
Harrisia tetracantha BK10508.3 (=Roseocereus tephracanthus) “Ulala” “Pasakana”
Candelabra cactus with cylindrical stems to 10′+, white spines. White to pinkish funnelform flowers and green to reddish fruit with sweet white flesh, 2–3″ diameter, widely eaten in the region. Prosopis forest, Tiatako, Cochabamba Dept., Bolivia, 7,500′. A plant that has done a lot of name hopping, it has been classified as Eriocereus and even Trichocereus. This was by far the most common cactus species we encountered throughout the mid elevations of Cochabamba Dept., near Aquile and Mizque we saw huge stands to 20′+ tall made up of hundreds of stems. The juice of the stems of the closely related H. tortuosus is reported to produce lethargy when drunk and is used to treat epilepsy and other nervous system problems. Z9b
Seed packet $4
Hylocereus undatus “Pitahaya” “Dragon Fruit”
A vining forest cactus with 3 ribbed jointed stems up to 15′ long. Huge funnel shaped flowers, up to 1′ long and 8″ wide, yellow sepals and white petals, blossoming at night, sweetly scented. Produces an abundance of unusual eggshaped red fruits, 3-5″ long and 2-3.5″ in diameter, with delicious white or pink pulp. Long cultivated for its edible fruit, its exact origin is uncertain, most likely Central America. In the last few decades it has become an important fruit crop in Southeast Asia and Israel. Our seed is from plants that produced fruit 12 ounces or more in weight. We have seed from both white and pink fleshed fruit, specify your preference. Z11
Seed packet $3
Leuchtenbergia principis
Unique cactus to 2′ high. Blue green tubercles, traingular and up to 5″ long tipped with papery twisted spines to 4″. Large yellow flowers. Native to the Chihuahuan desert, northern and central Mexico. Related to the genus Ferocactus. A slow grower, flowers in about 4 years. Z9a
Seed packet $2.50
Maihuenia poeppigii “Mahuen”
A unique low growing Opuntia relative. Forms mats of cylindrical stems to 4″ topped with small fleshy leaves. Spines to 1/2″+ and yellow flowers. Seed wild collected in the mountains of central Chile. Edible fruit. Fantastic for the rock garden, tolerant of high rainfall. Z5b/6a
Seed packet $3
1.5–2″+ plant 2–3 years old $7.50
Neoraimondia sp. NL051008b “Cardon”
Cactaceae. Distinct and awesome chunky columnar cactus to 8′. Collected by N. Logan on the dry slopes of Cerro Purgatorio above the ancient Tucume pyramids and Prosopis forests, northern Peru. Reported additive to San Pedro brews. Z10a
Seed packet $4
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii JL1635 ”Achacana”
Spherical cactus to about 4″ diameter with dark green triangular tubercles. Curved spines, lilac-pink flowers and reddish fruit. Distributed from the altiplano of Bolivia to northern Argentina, from 10,000–13,000′+. The whole cactus is considered a kind of potato, it is gathered by the tens of thousands each summer, skinned, cooked and eaten. It is said to be very tasty and is a significant source of vitamin K, calcium and zinc. The pulp is also a remedy for stomach ailments and made into a drink for kidney and liver disease. There is some concern that harvesting may endanger the plant, but it has yet to be clarified how wild populations are impacted. Well worth cultivating as an unusual food plant. Needs strong light and gritty soil. Z7a or below.
Seed packet $4
Obregonia denegrii
Strange cactus that is similar in size and appearance to an artichoke with small wispy spines at the ends of the tubercles. Iridescent white flowers arise from the furry center. Native to the valley of Jaumave, Tamaulipas where it is valued as a local treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. DNA studies show it to possibly be one of the closest living relative to peyote. Prefers some shade. Grow like Ariocarpus. Z10a
Seed packet $3
1″+ plant 3+ years old $6.50
Opuntia phaeacantha ”Desert Prickly Pear”
Sprawling clumps to 3′ tall and up to 8′ wide made up of numerous flat rounded stem segments or “pads”, blue green in color, taking on a purplish tint in full sun. Minuscule glochids and several 1-3″ long spines per areole. Big bright yellow flowers that turn shades of pinkish orange as they age. Large red purple fruits relished by humans and wildlife. Widespread and variable throughout the southwestern USA & Mexico. This cactus was important to several Native American tribes as a food stuff. In addition to the fruits, the seeds were ground into a flour and the pads were cleaned of their spines and eaten raw or cooked. The Pima also made a poultice of heated stems and applied them to breasts to encourage milk flow. Z6b
Seed packet $2
Oreocereus pseudofossulatus
Columnar cactus to 10′ tall. Stems to 3″ diameter with 10–13 tuberculate ribs. Straw yellow spines up to 2″ long. Course white hairs grow out of the areoles somewhat obscuring the stem of the plant and giving it a shaggy appearence. 3″ tubular red-pink flowers. Large yellow edible fruits, partially self fertile. Highlands of central Bolivia. Easily grown. Z8b
Seed packet $2
Pachycereus pecten-aborginum ”Cardon” “Chawe”
Tree like columnar cactus up to 30′ tall. Stems reach 1′ or more in diameter and have 10-12 ribs with spines up to 1″ long. Small white and purple flowers followed by spiny yellow fruit. Native to northern and central Mexico. The fruits were utilized as combs by natives. A sacred plant of the Tarahumara, the mucilage and sap of the trunk and young branches is used as medicine. A tea is made to treat aches, pains, as a purgative and laxative. Added to corn beers to increase the strength. Easily grown. Z10a
Seed packet $3
Pachycereus pringlei “Cardon” “Sahueso”
Gigantic columnar cactus that forms huge candelabra like stands to 60′ tall. Individual stems can grow as wide as 1 meter and have 10-16 gray-green ribs covered in 1″+ stout white spines. Oddly, the upper growth of tall stems is often completely spineless. 3″-4″ white nocturnal flowers that are pollinated by bats. Golf ball size spiny yellow fruits. A Mexican species that grows throughout Baja and from Sonora to Nayarit near the coast. Natives consider this cactus a sacred living spirit and utilize it for many purposes. Fruits and seeds were once an important food source. Fruit pulp was eaten fresh, cooked or made into preserves and the nutritious seeds were toasted and made into a pinole called “haixa” by the Seri. The now extinct Baja Indians and to a lesser extent the Seri of Sonora practiced extensive recycling of the seeds known as “second harvest.” After eating great quantities of Cardon fruit the Indians would defecate on large flat rocks and let the matter completely dry out in the hot summer sun. They would then retrieve the seeds and thoroughly clean, cook and eat them. The inner wood of the Cardon was also used extensively for constructing homes, fences, spears, canes and other tools. The Seri were known to bury the placenta of a newborn at the base of these giants. Fruit preserves were used for dysentery and slabs of Cardon flesh for treating aches and wounds. Study of cave paintings in Baja suggest the plant was used shamanically by extinct tribes. Easily grown. Germinate like other cacti, but press the large seeds directly into the soil mix. Bright strong light and regular succulent culture is needed. Protect from frost when young. We have found plants over a foot tall to be cold hardy down to at least Z9b.
Seed packet $3
3″-4″ diameter 11″-12″+ tall plant $25*
Pelecyphora strobiliformis (=Encephalocarpus strobiliformis)
Gray-green globular cactus up to 2″ in diameter. Covered in numerous overlapping tiny scale-like triangular tubercles that give the plant the appearance of a small pine cone. Brilliant violet-purple flowers arise from the wooly apex of the plant during late spring/early summer. Large taproot. Plants usually consist of a single head but are known to cluster with age. A rare Mexican species native to a few gravelly limestone hills in the states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Over collection has nearly eradicated the populations in Tamaulipas and seriously threatens those in Nuevo Leon. Like many other inconspicuous Mexican cacti, this plant is known to some natives as “peyote” and may have some traditional medicinal uses. Plants are very slow from seed. Grow like Ariocarpus. Regular watering during summer and a dry winter rest is needed. Z9b
25 seed $4
1/2″ plant 5+ years old $14
Pereskiopsis sp.
A Central American tree forming cactus with thin stems and true leaves. Large rose-like yellow flowers. Grows quickly and works great as a grafting stock for cactus seedlings. The leaves are edible. Regular watering and feeding. Z10a
1 cutting $3.50
Selenicereus grandiflorus ”Queen of the Night”
Thin, cylindrical, climbing stems with 5-8 ribs and small bristly spines. The genus derives its name from the Greek selene (moon) which is in reference the enormous (12″!) white funnelform flowers with yellow-brown sepals and an incredible vanilla like perfume. The nocturnal flowers only last a single night. The specific origin of this epiphytic tropical cactus is unknown, but it occurs wild in eastern Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. The flowers and young stems are widely used in herbal medicine as an effective heart tonic. It’s also known to help with urinary infections and is used topically for rheumatism. Mrs. Grieve’s herbal reports that large doses produce delirium and hallucination. Cultivated commercially in Mexico for the herbal industry. Likes a rich soil and lots of water and food to bloom successfully. Give it a trellis or bush to climb on and protect from direct frost. Z9b
6″+ cutting $5.50
Stenocereus queretaroensis ”Pitayo” “Organeras”
Heavily branched candelabra tree-like cactus to 20′ with a distinct trunk. 5″+ diameter stems with 6-8 prominent ribs and grayish spines up to 1.5″. Funnelform white flowers, sweetly scented. Globose 2.5-3″ fruit, with a sweet red pulp. Central Mexico. The fruit, known as “pitaya”, are an important seasonal staple food for many indigenous groups. In Mexico it has emerged as a easy to cultivate crop with high economic viability for local markets. Thousands of acres of this cactus are now under cultivation. Holds great potential as a fruit crop for other arid regions of the world. In southern Jalisco there are many relict stands of this cactus that occur at pre-columbian archaeological sites, suggesting the antiquity of the cultivation of this majestic species. Prefers a bright sunny position. Z10a
Seed packet $2.50
Stenocereus stellatus ”Xoconochtli” “Tuchikishi” “Pitayo”
Shrubby multi-branched cactus to 12′. Dark green stems up to 4″ diameter with 8-12 tuberculate ribs and spines 1″-2″ long. Relatively small tubular pale rose colored flowers open at night. 1-2″ edible fruit with a juicy pulp that is ether sweet or sour depending upon the clone and variable in color, either purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. Native to south central Mexico where the fruits are in great demand both fresh and dried, made into jams and fermented drinks. Cultivated for millennia, archaeological studies show that the plant has been eaten since at least 5,000 B.C. Nahua, Mixtec, and Popoloca people tend wild populations, often selecting desirable clones and cultivatiing them as living fences around their agricultural fields. This cactus responds very well to cultivation, producing much more abundant and larger fruits than wild plants. In addition to the fruits, the stems, flowers and seeds are also consumed. Cleaned seeds are rich in protein and essential fats, ground into a paste and made into a sauce, they are eaten with tortillas. This amazing plant is easy to grow in a sunny frost free environment. Z10a
Seed packet $2.50
Strombocactus disciformis
Gray-green spherical cactus to 5″ in diameter. 12-18 spirally arranged ribs divided into unusual rhomboid tubercles, each bearing 1-5 delicate white spines to 2/3″ long. Creamy white flowers appear in summer. In habitat these plants often grow flattened or disc like but lose this characteristic in cultivation. Native to the Hidalgo and Queretaro, Mexico where the plants are only found growing on steep calcerous cliffs. Highly valued by collectors and extremely slow growing. Treat like Turbinicarpus in cultivation. Z9b
Seed packet $2.75
Thelocactus hexaedrophorus SB291
Globular stems to 6″ diameter. Indistinct ribs, rounded tubercles. 3–5 stout red spines per areole, to 1″. Large white-magenta flowers from the center of the plant. A decidedly handsome species much valued by collectors. A Brack seed collection from La Perdita, Mexico. Z9a
1″+ plant 3 years old $6.50
Genus Trichocereus
Large genus of some 50-80+ species native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Recently merged with the closely related genus Echinopsis, leading to great confusion. Here we recognize Trichocereus as a distinct genus, variable in size and form; sometimes low growing multi-branching colonies, others large candelabra-like stands to imposing tree-like giants. All produce large funnel shaped flowers that are often sweetly scented. These magnificent flowers are either white and nocturnal or multi-colored and diurnal. The fruits are edible and quite delicious. Cuttings are often planted as living fences throughout South America. Flower petals and the inner flesh of most species are excellent external remedies for wounds and burns much like Aloe vera. Cut stems of some species are traditionally used to “purify” water. All are relatively fast growing, easy from seed and fairly cold tolerant. Increasingly popular as hardy landscape specimens. For optimal growth provide a rich well-drained soil, plenty of horizontal root room, bright light and regular water and nutrients during Spring and Summer. Trichocereus provide some of the best long lived grafting stocks. We are now involved in a long term interdisciplenary field study of the ethnobotany, distribution and taxonomy of these cacti. See the Andean Collections section for our wild seed accessions. Subscribe to our Rare Plant List ($5 for 4 issues) for additional offerings of specimens, rarities, and new hybrids. For our largest selection of Trichocereus see our paper catalog.
Note on cuttings – We send rooted cuttings whenever available, otherwise cuttings are unrooted. Plants over 6″ can not be sent potted. We often have larger size cuttings than those listed, please inquire. *Plants marked with an asterisk are large, heavy and have special shipping charges. We will bill you whatever the actual shipping costs for these plants + an additional $5 packaging and handling fee on the total order.
See Andean Collections for additional Trichocereus species.
Trichocereus andalgalensis (=Helianthocereus andalgalensis, Lobivia andalgalensis)
Multi-ribbed stems to 2″ in diameter and 1′ in length. Dense golden yellow spines to 3/4″ long. Becomes sprawling and offsets heavily with age. 5″ lemon yellow flowers. Native to Catamarca, Argentina. Z8b
4-5″+ cutting $6.50
Trichocereus angelesii
Sprawling and clustering stems to about 3′ long. 20 or more ribs covered in small spines. Red to white flowers. Somewhat similar to T. huascha. Native to Guachipas, Salta, Argentina. Very rare in Cultivation. Z9a
Seed packet $2.50
Trichocereus bridgesii “Achuma”
A freshly harvested batch of seed from our various clones and seed grown plants of this beautiful blue-green columnar species. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstrosus clone A
Virtually spineless. Smooth blue-green stems with 2–4 indistinct ribs. Occasionally produces yellow spines up to 3″ long. Plants eventually form candelabra like stands. Individual stems can grow to be remarkably phallic and this clone is referred to as the “penis cactus.”
6–8″ cutting $16
Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstrosus clone B
One of 2 disitinct mutant clones of this beautiful blue-green Bolivian cactus. 2-5 ribs initially bearing 3″ yellow spines then becoming smooth and spineless. The stems reach 4″-6″ in length then stop growing and begin to offset. Eventually forms dense stands to 6′ tall made up of hundreds of small multi-branched stems.
6″+ cutting $16
Trichocereus callianthus
Forms mats of many small stems up to 8″ tall. Numerous small ribs and yellow orange slightly twisted spines to 3/4″ long. Orange diurnal flowers. In the T. grandiflorus–T. huascha complex from northern Argentina. Rare in captivity. Z9a
Seed packet $2
Trichocereus glaucus
Bushy cactus that grows to 4-6′ tall then tends to go prostrate. Blue-gray stems with 7-9 ribs and spines as long as 1.5″. The spines are at first amber red then turn black and eventually gray. White night-blooming flowers. A desireable and seldom seen species native to southern Peru. Z9a-b
Seed packet $2.75
6-8″ cutting $10
Trichocereus huanucoensis
Forms candelabra like stands up to 20′ tall. 4-8″ diameter dark blue-green stems with 5-7 thick ribs. Brown felty areoles that bear up to 7 small radial spines and 3 centrals up to 2″ long. New growth on older stems is often completely spineless. White nocturnal flowers. Native to Huanuco, central Peru. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus huascha (=Helianthocereus huascha, Lobivia huascha)
A many branching, semi-prostrate plant 2′–3′ tall. The 2–3″ diameter stems have 12–18 ribs with close set areoles bearing nine or more thin yellow, brown or reddish spines up to 1.5″ long. Red, orange or yellow diurnal flowers. Native to Catamarca, Argentina where it forms large clusters of sprawling snake-like stems. Blooms abundantly late spring through summer. Z8a–b
Seed packet $2.50
6″+ cutting (clone A; yellow spines and orange flowers) $7.50
Trichocereus orurensis RCB125(=Helianthocereus orurensis)
One foot thick columns to 6′ or more in height. 18–22 ribs covered in abundant, thin, brownish-yellow spines up to 4″ long. Light purple day blooming flowers. Seed collected near La Joya, Oruro, Bolivia at 12,100′. Z8a
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus peruvianus “Los Gentiles” “Pichu”
Fat blue frosted upright stems 4″-6″ in diameter. Large fuzzy areoles with 6+ short radial spines and 1 or more long stout central spines. New spines originally blood red to yellow, fading to black and then dull gray or white with age. White flowers around the full moon. Ripe fruits are considered a choice “Pitahaya” for eating. Occurs at 8,000-11,000 feet in the central highlands of Peru near Matucana. Grows in a acequia irrigated agricultural system on rock wall borders of andenes and milpa style gardens. The cactus is referred to locally as “Pichu”. Said to have been tended to for at least 3,800 years by the lineage of people known as “Los Gentiles”.
Seed packet $3
200 seed $9
500 seed $18
Trichocereus peruvianus v. cuzcoensis (=Trichocereus cuzcoensis) “Hawaqollay”
An underappreciated spiny peruvianoid with glaucus-blue upright stems to 15′ and gorgeous spines to 2.5″+. Inter- Andean valleys of Cusco Dept., Peru. Utilized as medicine since antiquity. Sections of de-spined stems can still be found for sale at the outdoor Cuzco market for use as a famous shampoo said to treat baldness, as a contraceptive and remedy for burns, fevers, swellings, and flu. Z8b-9a
Seed packet $2.50
Trichocereus randallii RCB363 (=Helianthocereus randallii)
Rare species with deep-green, short, fat stems up to 12″ diameter and 2–3′ tall. 18 + ribs and a multitude of compressed reddish-brown spines. Produces breathtaking, urn-shaped, deep purple flowers. Seed collected from the valley of Paicho 10,500′ in Tarija, Bolivia. Z9a
Seed packet $3
Trichocereus terscheckii ”Cardon Grande”
Gigantic tree like cactus to 40′ tall and 2′ in diameter. 8-14 ribs with widely spaced areoles bearing 8-15 yellow spines as long as 2-4″. White nocturnal flowers. Becoming a popular landscape plant in the U.S. because it resembles the Saguaro (Carnegeia gigantea) but can be successfully grown in areas of higher rainfall and colder temperature. Found throughout the high deserts of northern Argentina. Z8a-b
Seed packet $2.75
3″+ seedling 10 years old! $10
Trichocereus tulhuayacensis KK337 (B13)
An upright peruvianoid from Huachac, Peru. A cutting was given to us by a friend who had gotten a small piece from Knize in Lima, Peru for $100! It was said to have red flowers, which seemed unlikely. We were pleasantly surprised when the plant finally flowered in 2008, with a bizarre red, pink and white mottled blossom. This is our very first offering of this unusual variety. Get one while you can.
6″ cutting $28 (limited)
Trichocereus validus? NL52509a
Thick columnar plant with large stout spines and big 4″ diameter sweet fruit. Collected by N. Logan at 7,600′, between the town of Puna and Belin, Potosi Province, Bolivia. These large Trichocereus are in need of serious study to clarify the taxonomy. This plant falls into the T. validus/werdermannianus/tacaquirensis/taquimbalensis/ escayachensis complex. Z8b-9a
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus sp. BK09509.2
Candelabra stems to 10′. Stems to 4″ diameter, dark green epidermis, new growth blushed blue. 5-7 radial spines, the downward facing ones up to 1.5″ long. 1 central spine to 2.5″. New spines yellow to red-brown in color. Growing on rocky cliffs, western slopes above the north end of the modern town of Chavin, 10,600′, Ancash Dept., Peru, not far from the famous ruins of Chavin de Huantar with its amazing subterranean labrynth and 3000 year old stone images of Trichocereus. This plant looks intermediate to T. santaensis (pachanoi) and T. cuzcoensis. Z9a
Seed packet $5
Trichocereus sp. Torres & Torres
Dark green upright stems to 12′+ in height and 6″+ in diameter. Small, stout, amber colored spines. Similar to T. pachanoi. From material collected by archaeologist Manuel Torres & his wife Donna in the northern part of central Chile. Z9a
6″+ cutting $14
Trichocereus Hybrids
Our Trichocereus bloom profusely every year. This has gifted us the opportunity to experiment with hybridizing by hand pollination. The following seed is the result. Many of these hybrids are completely new, never existing before in nature or horticulture! These offerings present a unique situation where you can play an important role by fostering a bit of horticultural history. Undoubtedly these hybrids will give rise to exceptional and desirable new variation in stem and spine form, flower color and scent, fruit size and sweetness, hardiness, rate of growth, etc. The first name listed for the hybrids is the mother plant that bore the fruit. See elsewhere in the catalog for most individual parent plant descriptions. All seed packets contain between 30 and 70+ seed unless noted otherwise. We have wholesale quantities of many of these seeds, please inquire.
For dozens of additional hybrids refer to our paper catalog and subscribe to the rare plant list!
Trichocereus andalgalensis X Trichocereus grandiflorus v. crassicaulis
A beauty that has the traits of both parents, round balls with golden yellow spines, the flowers are a shocking orange. Z8b
Seed packet $2.50
3-4″+ seedling 3+ years old $6.50
Trichocereus grandiflorus X Trichocereus orurensis
Clumping red flowered T. grandiflorus crossed with the spiny giant T. orurensis. Z8a
Seed packet $2.50
500 seed $9
Trichocereus peruvianus “Serra Blue” X Trichocereus huanucoensis
A super hybrid, makes beautiful, bluish, chunky stemmed plants.
Seed packet $4
200 seed $9
Trichocereus tulhuayacensis KK337 (B13) X T.Trichocereus bridgesiii
T. tulhuayacensis is an upright peruvianoid from Huachac, Peru which has bizarre red, pink, and white mottled blossoms. Crossed with T. bridgesii. Fascinating progeny.
3-5″+ seedling 3 years old $10
Trichocereus clumping hybrid mixed seed
A medley of different clustering hybrids! Z8a-b
Packet $2
500 seed $5
Trichocereus “Daemonomania” X Trichocereus “Dusty Rose”
T. ‘Daemonomania’-a T. bruchii hybrid, named after John Crowley’s wondrously potent novel, which in some ways evokes this impressive cactus. Clustering 6″ diameter stems to 3′+ tall covered in tortuos yellow spines to 2.5″. Brilliant orange flowers and delicious fruit. Crossed with ‘Dusty Rose’-a multiple hybrid with pale roseorange colored flowers. Z8a
Seed packet $2.50
500 seed $9
Trichocereus sp. “Luther Burbank” X Trichocereus sp. SS02
Peruvianoid Burbank heirloom crossed with bridgesioid SS02.
Seed packet $4
Trichocereus sp. “Kimura’s Giant” X Trichocereus sp. SS02
Kimura’s Giant is the fattest pachanoid plant we grow, the actual parentage is unknown, but it resembles what we would imagine a hybrid between pachanoi and tershceckii would look like- upright, 8″+ diameter green stems, short spines to 1/2″, white flowers. Crossed with the bridgesioid SS02.
Seed packet $4
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus peruvianus “Serra Blue”
A great hybrid with fantastic frosty blue progeny.
Seed packet $4
200 seed $9
500 seed $18
Trichocereus sp. SS02 X Trichocereus sp. “Kimura’s Spiny Giant”
The bridgesioid SS02 mated with ‘Kimura’s Spiny Giant’ which has 6–7″ diameter stems with abundant spines up to 2″, possibly a hybrid of a T. peruvianus form with T. terscheckii. Robust seedlings with interesting spination.
3″+ seedling 2-3 years old $7.50
Genus Turbinicarpus
A wonderful, small and relatively new genus of rare and endangered miniature cacti, native to northern and central Mexico. A few species are believed to be used medicinally and a number are known as “peyote” or “peyotillo”, possibly due to their remarkable similarity to Lophophora. Tragically, high popularity with cactus collectors has lead to near extinction of many species in the wild. Easily grown from seed but fairly slow, usually flowering around 4-5 years of age. Growing medium should be very porous, at least 50% pumice stone with a small amount of lime added. Most species are opportunistic bloomers, flowering any time of year when conditions are right. Keep dry during winter and protect from frost, Z9b. All the Turbinicarpus seed we offer is produced by hand pollination of our mother plants.
Turbinicarpus alonsoi
Small, flattened gray-green stem to 3″ in diameter. The ribs are divided into many triangular tubercles tipped with gray fuzz and 3-5 papery spines. Remarkable rose-magenta colored flowers. Discovered in 1994 growing on shale canyon walls in a remote area of north eastern Guanajuato. The most highly prized and slowest growing Turbinicarpus. Looks remarkably like an Ariocarpus or Obregonia. Interestingly, young juvenile plants are hard to distinguish from Strombocactus seedlings. Still extremely rare in cultivation, every effort should be made to propagate since plants are highly threatened by illegal collecting in habitat.
Seed packet $3.50
3/4″+ plant 3+ years old $10
Turbinicarpus flaviflorus
Globose, cylindrical cactus, 3–4″ tall. The small pointed tubercles are tipped with many twisting corky spines and white fuzz that almost completely obscures the body of the plant. Nice yellow flowers. An intriguing miniature found only in a small area near Santa Rita, SLP.
Seed packet $2.75
Turbinicarpus jauernigii
A peyote look alike. Flattened red-purple stems to 2″ in diameter. The nearly non-existent tubercles bear 1-3 short, stubby white spines with black tips. Unusual brown-white flowers and a large tap-root. Grows near Palomas, San Luis Potosi. An extremely rare little gem that is seldom seen in cultivation.
Seed packet $3.50
1.5″ plant 8-9 years old $10
Turbinicarpus klinkerianus
Dark green flattened globose stem up to 3″ in diameter. Ribs divided into low and broad conical tubercles tipped with short incurving corky spines. White to creamy yellow flowers. Endemic to a few scattered rocky hillsides near central San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Sadly, like other Turbinicarpus, whole populations of wild plants have been destroyed by over collection.
Seed packet $2.75
1″ plant 5-6 years old $6.50
Turbinicarpus krainzianus f. minimus
A miniature with elongated stems to 4″ tall. Small conical tubercles with bristle like gray spines that curve towards and around the top of the plant. Bright yellow flowers. First discovered in 1987 growing on barren, stony hills near Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo.
Seed packet $3
Inquire for plants
Turbinicarpus lausseri (=Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele v. lausseri)
Little stems up to 2″ in diameter. Spiralled rows of small conical tubercles tipped with bristle like black and gray spines that curl around the top of the plant. Purple-red flowers. First discovered in 1986 growing on the steep rocky slopes of the Sierra el Doctor, Queretaro. This plant is very similar to Turbinicarpus krainzianus. Very rare in cultivation.
10 seed $2
1″+ plant 7–8 years old $7.50
Turbinicarpus lophophoroides
Globular blue-green or gray-green cactus to 3″ in diameter. Ribs divided into rounded tubercles tipped with 4–6 small white spines. The center of the plant produces an abundance of white fuzz from which translucent pink or white flowers arise. As the species name implies, these plants somewhat resemble true peyote. Native to the state of San Luis Potosi in the areas of Villa Juarez and Las Tablas. Plant populations from the 2 sites have some noticeable morphological differences. The Villa Juarez plants have somewhat distinct ribs, darker green color and white flowers. Plants from Las Tablas have ribs fully divided into tubercles, blue-green color and pink flowers. These cacti grow in flat semi-desert areas that have an extremely high gypsum content in the soil. These plants are threatened by the fact that the gypsum deposits on which they grow may be recognized as economically valuable and then exploited.
Seed packet (Las Tablas) $3
Turbinicarpus macrochele
Small Lophophora like grey green spherical stems to 2″ in diameter. Flattened tubercles bearing 3–5 curved and twisted flat corky spines 1.5″ or more in length, dark yellow to white in color. These unusual spines often completely obscure the top of the plant. White flowers bloom from the center of the cactus. Native to southern Nuevo Leon and north central San Luis Potosi. Rare.
Seed packet $2.75
Turbinicarpus panarottoi (=Turbinicarpus andersonii)
Flattened globular stem to 2″ diameter. Broad conical tubercles tipped with 1-3 short corky spines that curl towards the center of the plant. White flowers with magenta midstripes. Similar to Turbinicarpus klinkerianus. Native to rocky areas near Presa de Guadalupe, San Luis Potosi, where the plant is nearly extinct due to collecting. It is still quite rare in captivity.
Seed packet $3
1″+ plant 6-7 years old $8
Turbinicarpus polaskii (=Turbinicarpus macrochele v. polaskii)
Small globular cactus with a flattened or depressed stem to 3″ in diameter. Rounded ribs or tubercles bearing 1 or occasionally 2 small twisted corky spines per areole. White flowers bloom abundantly throughout the year. Young plants closely resemble Lophophora. The body of this cactus is a dull green but turns red or purple-brown when exposed to bright light. Once considered synonymous with Turbinicarpus schwarzii, recent research has shown it to be closer to Turbinicarpus macrochele. A few wild populations still survive near La Bonita, San Luis Potosi.
Seed packet $2.75
1–1.5″+ plant 6–7 years old $7.50
Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele
A small globose-cylindrical plant with rounded tubercles tipped with wavy bristle like yellow spines. Large pink flowers. Occurs only in the rocky terrain of a few small hills within the states of Queretaro and Hidalgo. Known as one of the false “peyote”. Cultivation is critical as this plant is threatened with extinction in habitat.
Seed packet $2.75
Inquire for plants
Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus (=Pelecyphora pseudopectinatus)
A rare small globular cactus with many small spirally-arranged tubercles tipped with numerous tiny white spines in a comb like formation. White to magenta colored flowers bloom in spring. Native to Tamaulipas.
Seed packet $3
Turbinicarpus roseiflorus
Small blue-green spherical cactus. Ribs divided into rounded tubercles tipped with numerous small radial spines and 1–2 central spines that curve towards the white-wooly top of the plant. Magenta colored flowers. This plant has never been discovered in the wild and it’s believed it may be a hybrid between Turbinicarpus lophophoroides and Turbincarpus (Gymnocactus) viereckii.
Seed packet $2.75
Turbinicarpus schwarzii
2″–3″ gray-green cactus with a flattened-globose stem similar in appearance to Lophophora. Low, rounded tubercles with 1–3 flat corky spines that curve towards the top of the plant. White flowers. Endemic to a limited range of limestone hills near Matehuala, San Luis Potosi. Over collection has led to the decimation of wild populations. All efforts should be made to protect and propagate.
Seed packet $2.75
1.5″ plant 5–6 years old $6.50
Turbinicarpus schwarzii v. rubriflorus
A rare and highly prized variety with lavender colored flowers and often longer corky spines. Known from only 2 localities near Cerros Blancos that have been ravaged by thoughtless collecting. Conservation is a must for this cactus!
Seed packet $3
Turbinicarpus swobodae
Squat blue-green stems to 2″. Wide rounded tubercles tipped with a few black bristly spines. Deep taproot and small yellow flowers. A rarity recently discovered near Rayones, Nuevo Leon.
Seed packet $3
Turbinicarpus valdezianus (=Pelecyphora valdezianus)
Miniature globose-cylindrical plant to 1.5″ diameter. Spirally arranged tubercles tipped with white, feathery radial spines that obscure the body of the plant. Magenta to white flowers bloom in spring. A unique cactus that is found in isolated areas of Coahuila and San Luis Potosi.
Seed packet $3
1″+ plant 7-8 years old $7.50
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