Growth rate of Trichocereus pasacana

Hi,

I went out and took some measurements today off all my cactus. I plant to again take the measurements after the growing season around April.

My two Trichocereus pasacana's came in at just over 8 inches tall (or 20cm). When I purchased the second one I was told that it was 9 years old and grown from seed. However, it was root bound and wasn't in the best growing position (maybe getting some afternoon sun). I have since repotted it in a much larger pot.

After doing some research I found a site that claims their Pasacana had a solid 7 inches of growth during the summer months. I have purchaced slow release fertilizer from Collectors Corner which i'll add on September.

Both plants are housed in a small green house with pleanty of ventilation facing north.

I need to put pics up!! They will come within a few days, as the green house is located at the inlaws house.

Regards,

Paul M.

Paul,

Like most Trichocereus, Pascana will put on a foot+ of fresh growth in a season no problem if given good growing conditions. Pascana grows over 30 feet tall and is a stunning enormous plant when mature. Put it in a huge pot or the ground and watch it grow.

HN

Another thing to consider is that as plants mature, the rate of growth increases. So, a small seedling will grow quite well - however, a more mature plant will put on much more growth due to a bigger root system, more extensive vascular network, etc.

Thanks guys.

Yep, it's in a large pot but it's winter at the moment so I don't think it's growing. It's in the green house. It has developed new spikes though.

Here's some pics of the green house and my Pasacana's





The soil mix that the right hand side Pasaca is in is from Bunnings. The Pasacana on the right's mix is the Garden World's own mix. It seems to have a mixture of bark included as well. A few of my cactus are potted in the same mix and seem quite happy. All have developed good solid roots (they don't come out of the ground if you tug them). The green house is only small but the front flap is open and allows plenty of ventilation through. Can't wait till spring!!

they look great! great finds!

Ya really don't need em in the green house. I've found that trichos in melb prefer fresh air and some winter rain. i reccomend over potting them with some well draining mix. use the commercial cacti mixes with an additional 30% coarse sand and a healthy dose of slow release.
They probably won't grow much taller over the next two years, they'll just fatten right up. after they're a nice footbal size they'll put on some height. give it ten years os so and you'll get that foot of growth a year.

prier.

Ah ok. So they don't tend to rot out? I haven't watered them since may. I know some people have them in their gardens. The greenhouse is very airy and gets lots of wind.

So you think it's ok to give them a little water every month or so?

Also, I have the slow release from Collectors Corner. How much should i use? Maybe a small handful round the base of the plants just underneath the soil? Can I add it now, or maybe wait till late August / early September?

Unfortunately I have repotted them in Collectors Corner mix, and the other in a Bunnings succulent mix, but next time i'll add some sand.

As we rent I have to keep them in pots :-( However, once we get our own place i'll be planting them in the ground.

They were the fattest ones I could find. There is one in collectors corner that is around 2 metres high. $1000 and it's yours!!

Do you have any pics by any chance??

Regards,

Paul M.

They won't rot if they have a well draining mix. I wouldn't bother watering em, just let the rain do its thing.
Slow release is great, the stuff from collectors corner is just a standard fert, any all purpose will work well. I'd recommend about half a cup for every ten liters of soil. it can be added any time of year. now is fine.

I'm on the road at the moment, but when i get back home i'll post up some pics for ya.

prier.

yeah, please post pics of fatty columnars anyday!!!

So you actually mix the slow release fertilizer in with the soil? I was going to place them around the cactus about 2-3 below the surface?

Yeah, put some pics of your pasacanas up for sure!!

mixed through is def preffered, but i add a bit to the top layer of soil (like your talking about) when i get lazy.