Dagger Cactus

Light Requirements
Prefers full, direct sunlight, akin to its native desert habitat, making a south-facing exposure ideal.

Growing Season & Dormancy
Experiences growth during warmer months and enters a dormant state when cooler temperatures prevail, reducing water needs.

Flowers
Springtime ushers in white, nocturnally blooming flowers, spanning 7 to 10 cm in length, that welcome the morning light before retreating.

Water Requirements
Mimic natural precipitation patterns by allowing soil to fully dry between waterings; excessive moisture is a foe.

Toxicity/Safety
While free from toxins, the cactus's sharp spines require careful handling to avoid injury.

Hardiness
Demonstrates resilience to brief temperature drops, tolerating conditions down to approximately -2°C.

Scientific Name
The name 'Stenocereus griseus' reflects the cactus's striking grayish-green complexion and its sturdy, candle-like form, which allows it to stand tall against the backdrop of its desert home.

Common Names
Dubbed the "Dagger Cactus" for its sharp spines, it's also known as the "Mexican Organ Pipe," a nod to its columnar, organ pipe-shaped stems. Its fruit earns it the names "pitaya" and "pitayo de mayo," celebrated in local traditions.

Origin & Habitat
Originating from Mexico, coastal Venezuela, the Guajira Peninsula of Colombia, and the ABC islands, this species is a master of survival in arid, scrubby environments, utilizing deep root systems and moisture-retaining stems.

Unique Physical Characteristics
Its cylindrical stems, branching out in a candelabra fashion, can reach up to 12 cm in diameter. Spines, grey and acicular, offer protection, while its skin glows in a unique gray-green, setting it apart from its kin.

Size & Growth Style
This cactus can achieve towering heights of 6 to 9 meters, adopting a vertical growth pattern to maximize sun exposure. Its slow growth rate is a natural strategy for conserving vital resources in sparse desert climates.

Interesting Facts

• Flowers bloom nocturnally, showcasing broad, funnel-form petals that last until midday.
• Produces edible fruits approximately 5 cm in diameter, ranging in color from white to purple, with red and white varieties being common.
• Historically, used for its medicinal properties and as a living fence due to its spiny nature.

Conservation Status
Regarded as a species of "Least Concern" by CITES Appendix II, the Dagger Cactus enjoys a stable population but remains vigilant against habitat destruction and illegal collection.