Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis Plant Care
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis (F.Ritter) D.R.Hunt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique cactus species is best known for its striking vertical ribs that create a breathtaking columnar shape. Native to the coastal deserts of southern Peru, Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and impressive size.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Water Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis (Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Browningia genus. Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis is native to Peru, ChileleafSize: 4.
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis produces large white nocturnal blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis Need?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis Prefer?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Feed Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to candelabrum cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis Need?
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis is native to Peru, ChileleafSize: 4. In cooler regions, grow Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Browningia genus — compare its care with other Browningia species on PlantoScan.
Browningia is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis (F.Ritter) D.R.Hunt, family Cactaceae (first published in in Cactaceae Syst. Init. 14: 12. 2002.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Browningia candelaris subsp. icaensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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