Stenocereus beneckei

Origin

Stenocereus beneckei are native to south central Mexico and grow on the sunniest banks of rocky cliffs. This would explain the dense white coating (farina), which would protect them against the harshest of the sun. There are not many white bodied cacti out there and this specific genus really stands out above the rest.

Growing Requirements:

Stenocereus beneckei are not the most cold hardy cacti around. They prefer the higher temp ranges above 20c. When the temps drop below 10c, they will need to be protected by bringing them inside or putting them in an area that never drops below 10c. Although they grow quickly in more temperate climates, they are a little slower in the UK due to our amazing (sarcasim) weather conditions.

Stenocereus beneckei should only be kept inside or in a greenhouse in the UK, they will not survive outside at all. As with all cacti, airflow is important to keep fungal spread at bay.

Watering

Only water Stenocereus beneckei during the warmer months as they can be susceptible to fungal pathogens if watered when too cold.

Watering from Spring (April) to beginning of Autumn (End September). Depending on what kind of summer we get will depend on how frequent you need to water, but, less is better with cacti. During the winter months, little to no watering is required or the roots could rot (they do not like to be wet for long periods).

Substrate

In warmer climates, you could go for a more nutrient rich mixture (50% organic / 50% inorganic). But, in the UK, it is best to err more on the side of inorganic (60% – 70% inorganic) to ensure the pot is drained quickly.

Synonyms

• Cereus beneckei
• Rathbunia beneckei
• Piptanthocereus beneckei
• Hertrichocereus beneckei
• Lemaireocereus beneckei