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How to Grow Stetsonia — Toothpick Cactus

Large toothpick cactus, Stetsonia coryne
Large toothpick cactus, Stetsonia coryne

Stetsonia is a candelabra-type cactus that can grow to 25 feet (7.6m) tall. When young it is well suited for growing indoors or in a greenhouse.

Stetsonia is a genus of just one species, S. cornye, commonly known as toothpick cactus. The common name comes from the long white radial spines that surround each areole which contains a black central spine.

Toothpick cactus, Stetsonia coryne
Toothpick cactus, Stetsonia coryne

Get to Know Stetsonia

  • Plant type: Cereanae, candelabra cactus
  • Hardiness temperature: 35℉ 1.7℃); Stetsonia is fairy tender and should be kept well protected from frost during winter.
  • Shape and size: Grows to a height of 15 to 25 ft (4.6 to 7.6 m) tall.
  • Flowers: White flowers are nocturnal and appear only on mature plants
  • Bloom time: Spring into summer
  • Common name: Toothpick cactus
  • Genus name: Stetsonia
  • Family name: Cactaceae
  • Origin: Argentinia, Boliva, Paraguay

Planting Stetsonia

  • Stetsonia can be planted outdoors in the garden or in a pot where temperatures do not fall below 35℉ 1.7℃) in winter.
  • Stesonia can be grown indoors in a bright window or in a greenhouse with bright light. Stetsonia requires more light than other houseplants.
  • Light: Stetsonia require full sun or bright light grown indoors.
  • Soil: Stetsonia cactus requires an average soil mixture.

How to Water and Feed Stetsonia

  • Water: Regular light watering.
  • Feeding: Feed Stetsonia with a cactus fertilizer during the growing season.

Stetsonia Care

  • Stetsonia is fairy tender and should be kept well protected from frost during winter.

Stetsonia Species to Grow

  • Stetsonia coryne (toothpick cactus). Excellent potted plant suitable for green house or indoors when young; eventually grows to treelike size. Each areole contains black central spine surrounded by long white radial spines. Funnel-shaped white flowers are nocturnal and can be expected only on mature plants.

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