Tr. cordobensis x TPM (Tr. peru Monstrose)

Trichocereus cordobensis

Trichocereus peruviana Monstrose (TPM) ‘Nitro’

History

Trichocereus cordobensis

Trichocereus cordobensis is an extremely interesting plant that probably belongs into the range of the species Trichocereus scopulicola. This species is very rare in nature and there only were a few collections of it. When Friedrich Ritter discovered the species Trichocereus scopulicola, he labeled his collection FR991 and almost all Scops on the market go back to that one collection in the 50s. Now back to Trichocereus cordobensis. It is not an accepted name and there is not a description for it. The city Cordoba is in Argentina, which is far way from Bolivia where Trichocereus scopulicola is endemic. It probably came from an institution called NMCR, which distributed seeds and cacti in the past 20 years. They are the source of many interesting plants, including one very spiny type of Scop that was not identical with Ritter´s original FR991. And that is probably the original source of this plant.

Growing Requirements:

Trichocereus are relatively easily grown in the UK, especially due to the fact that they do not require massive amounts of sunlight. As most cacti grown in the UK, they are best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory (grow tents are also used for younger plants), South facing is a distinct advantage.

Watering

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.