Stenocereus queretaroensis
| Light | Full sun; strong light produces the best growth and fruiting |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in the growing season; keep dry and cool in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining, gritty mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Warmth-loving and frost-sensitive; keep above freezing, and dry if temperatures approach freezing |
| Propagation | Seed and stem cuttings (see Propagation — cuttings) |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs; fruit is edible |
Stenocereus queretaroensis is a large, tree-like columnar cactus from west-central Mexico, grown both in the wild and in orchards for its highly prized pitaya fruit. It forms a candelabra of thick, upright branches from a short trunk and is one of the most important fruiting species in the genus Stenocereus, sold in Mexican markets under the name pitayo de Querétaro.
Description
Stenocereus queretaroensis grows into a substantial branched tree, typically several metres tall, with a short woody trunk that divides into many stout, ascending stems arranged in a candelabra habit. The bluish-green branches are strongly ribbed and armed with clusters of stiff spines along the areoles.
The funnel-shaped flowers open at night and into the early morning, whitish to pale pink and pollinated largely by bats and other nocturnal visitors. They are followed by the round, spiny pitaya fruits, which ripen in a range of colours — from red and purple to orange and yellow — with sweet, juicy, seed-flecked flesh. The fruit is the plant's chief claim to fame and the reason it is so widely cultivated.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the seasonally dry regions of west-central Mexico, with its heartland in Jalisco and neighbouring states. It grows in thornscrub and tropical dry forest on well-drained slopes and plains, enduring a long dry season followed by summer rains. In many districts it has been cultivated for so long that orchards and wild stands blur together, and it is a familiar part of the rural landscape.
Cultivation
Stenocereus queretaroensis is a vigorous, sun-loving grower that rewards generous space. Give it full sun, a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix, and moderate water through the warm growing months, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Keep it dry and on the cool side in winter to prevent rot; it appreciates warmth and is frost-sensitive, so protect it from freezing temperatures.
In cultivation for fruit it is grown much like other orchard columnar cacti, often started from large cuttings to bring plants to bearing age sooner. Container growers should expect a big plant in time and repot into a sturdy pot as it gains height — see Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
The species grows readily from both seed and stem cuttings. Seed germinates well on a warm, moist mineral surface, while large cuttings — the traditional orchard method — are taken from mature branches, allowed to callus, and then rooted in gritty mix; these reach fruiting size faster than seedlings. See Propagation — seed and Propagation — cuttings for full walkthroughs.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual cause of loss, from overwatering, a slow-draining mix, or cold wet conditions in winter; stems soften and discolour.
- Etiolation — too little light produces thin, weak, pale growth instead of stout ribbed stems.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff in the areoles) and scale can settle on the stems; watch also for spider mites in hot, dry, still air.
See also
- Stenocereus — the genus overview
- Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — seed · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases