Cephalocereus polylophus (DC.) Britton & Rose 

🌱 Morphology
  Arborescent columnar cactus, normally single-stemmed, although it may branch with age. In its natural habitat, it reaches 13–15 m in height and up to 50 cm in diameter. It has 22–36 narrow ribs, separated by deep furrows, with small areoles and yellowish flexible spines that turn grey with age. The flowers emerge near the apex, are dark red or pink, and have a woolly floral tube covered with small scales.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Endemic to Mexico, from Guanajuato to Veracruz, in limestone canyons and tropical deciduous forests in warm, dry regions. It is found in fragmented populations and is considered vulnerable in previous conservation assessments.

Cactaceae family · Cactoideae · Pachycereeae tribe. The name Neobuxbaumia polylopha is a synonym; the combination Cephalocereus polylophus adopted by Joël Lodé is used here.

❄️ Temperature · USDA zone 9b
Tolerates brief minimum temperatures of approximately −3 ºC when dry and well acclimated. It is sensitive to severe, prolonged frosts; when in a pot, it should be protected from cold, damp conditions.

☀️ Lighting
Young specimens benefit from intense light with protection from scorching sun; adults adapt to full sun. During active growth, a reference of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of PAR DLI is recommended, with gradual acclimation.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. Keep almost dry during winter, especially when temperatures are low. In spring and summer, water thoroughly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. It needs excellent drainage and space for its roots to develop.

🌸 Flowering
Flowering occurs in adult specimens when they reach a considerable size; no reliable minimum age has been established. The flowers, 4–6 cm long, appear near the apex mainly between May and July. They are red and nocturnal, lasting one or two nights.  The fruits are green, ovoid, and contain numerous seeds.

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium is involved in chlorophyll synthesis.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot with a substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but these may also vary slightly because it is a living thing! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.