This Tall Cactus Stands Out in Drought-Tolerant Gardens
Mexican organpipe cactus, or Stenocereus marginatus, grows quickly to reveal green stems outlined in white
Columnar cactuses, such as Mexican organpipe (Stenocereus marginatus), add drama to arid landscapes, whether planted in the ground or in containers. Although some types of cactus can take a long time to mature, this one grows at a fairly moderate rate. In addition, its small spines are localized along white margins that run down the side, making it easier to avoid getting accidentally pricked.
Mexican organpipe cactus, also called Mexican fence post, is native to Mexico, as its common name suggests. There, individual stems are planted as living fences. In a landscape setting, its medium green color and bright white margins add a visually cooling color element to the garden.
Mexican organpipe cactus, also called Mexican fence post, is native to Mexico, as its common name suggests. There, individual stems are planted as living fences. In a landscape setting, its medium green color and bright white margins add a visually cooling color element to the garden.
Distinguishing traits. Upright stems originate at the base and from areas where stems are pruned. Each medium green stem has five to seven distinct white margins that run down the length of the stem. Those white areas are where the small spines are located.
Small, dark pink flowers can appear along the margins on mature specimens in spring.
Mexican organpipe cactuses form an attractive backdrop for myrtle spurge.
How to use it. The compact and columnar shape of Mexican organpipe cactus naturally fits into contemporary landscape designs. Break up a bare expanse of wall by planting several in a row with lower-growing succulents such as candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica), elephant bush (Portulacaria afra), golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) and upright myrtle spurge (Euphorbia rigida). Place along both sides of a window or entry for vertical interest.
In a more natural landscape setting, plant it in the background with flowering ground covers like blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana), firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) or lantana (Lantana spp.).
Of course, as its common name Mexican fence post suggests, single stem cuttings can be used to create a living fence.
This columnar cactus makes a great container succulent but must have well-drained soil. Plant in a container with a potting soil made up of equal parts compost, sand and perlite or pumice. Mexican organpipe cactus will require supplemental water when grown in a container. Water twice a month when temperatures are above 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) and monthly for the rest of the warm season. Little to no water is required in winter.
How to use it. The compact and columnar shape of Mexican organpipe cactus naturally fits into contemporary landscape designs. Break up a bare expanse of wall by planting several in a row with lower-growing succulents such as candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica), elephant bush (Portulacaria afra), golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) and upright myrtle spurge (Euphorbia rigida). Place along both sides of a window or entry for vertical interest.
In a more natural landscape setting, plant it in the background with flowering ground covers like blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana), firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) or lantana (Lantana spp.).
Of course, as its common name Mexican fence post suggests, single stem cuttings can be used to create a living fence.
This columnar cactus makes a great container succulent but must have well-drained soil. Plant in a container with a potting soil made up of equal parts compost, sand and perlite or pumice. Mexican organpipe cactus will require supplemental water when grown in a container. Water twice a month when temperatures are above 100 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) and monthly for the rest of the warm season. Little to no water is required in winter.
Planting notes. Although it can be grown from seed, Mexican organpipe cactus is often propagated from cuttings. A portion of a single stem is planted in the ground, and within a year, new stems begin to branch out from the bottom, forming a multistemmed cactus. The growth rate is fairly moderate for a cactus species and can be increased with supplemental water in summer.
Fertilize once a month during the growing season (late spring through early fall) using a liquid fertilizer mixed at half the recommended rate.
Frost damage can occur at the tips when temperatures dip into the 20s (below minus 2 degrees Celsius). Prevent this by covering the top of each stem with a plastic foam cup.
Fertilize once a month during the growing season (late spring through early fall) using a liquid fertilizer mixed at half the recommended rate.
Frost damage can occur at the tips when temperatures dip into the 20s (below minus 2 degrees Celsius). Prevent this by covering the top of each stem with a plastic foam cup.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Mexican organpipe cactus is found growing in nursery containers like other plants, but special care must be taken when planting to avoid getting pricked by its spines. Use a carpet remnant or several layers of newspaper to hold the cactus while planting. Gloves alone won’t provide adequate protection.
Like many other columnar cactus species, Mexican organpipe cactus can be started by removing a stem from the parent plant. This is a great way to plant more in your landscape if you already have one, or you can give some to your neighbors or friends so that they can discover the upright beauty of this cactus.
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Like many other columnar cactus species, Mexican organpipe cactus can be started by removing a stem from the parent plant. This is a great way to plant more in your landscape if you already have one, or you can give some to your neighbors or friends so that they can discover the upright beauty of this cactus.
- Using several layers of newspaper or a piece of carpet to hold the cactus, cut off a 2- to 3-foot section of stem. (It can be cut off at the base or halfway up the stem.)
- Lay the cutting in a dry, shady spot for two weeks to allow the cut end to dry out and form a callus, which will help prevent it from rotting when replanted.
- Plant as directed. Within a year, your small cactus cutting will have grown and produced one or two new stems, and will continue to do so over the years.
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Find out how to grow more Great Design Plants
Botanical name: Stenocereus marginatus (syn. Lemaireocereus marginatus, Marginatocereus marginatus, Pachycereus marginatus)
Common names: Mexican organpipe cactus, Mexican fence post
Origin: Native to Oaxaca, Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low; once a month during summer in low-desert zones for best appearance
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 12 to 25 feet tall
Benefits and tolerances: Drought-tolerant
When to plant: Spring or fall