Pilosocereus machrisii Plant Care

Pilosocereus machrisii (E.Y.Dawson) Backeb.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Pilosocereus machrisii is a species of Pilosocereus found in from West Bahia to Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cricumscription of this species is not well agreed upon by botanists.

🌵Succulents🌵Cacti
Water

Every 14–21 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

10–40%

At a glance

How do you care for Pilosocereus machrisii?

Water Pilosocereus machrisii 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.

Where Is the Pilosocereus machrisii Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Pilosocereus machrisii?

Pilosocereus machrisii (Pilosocereus machrisii) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Pilosocereus genus. Pilosocereus machrisii is native to from West Bahia to Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Pilosocereus machrisii displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Pilosocereus machrisii produces large white nocturnal blooms.

How Often Should You Water a Pilosocereus machrisii?

Pilosocereus machrisii 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 Pilosocereus machrisii Need?

Pilosocereus machrisii thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pilosocereus machrisii Prefer?

Pilosocereus machrisii grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Pilosocereus machrisii prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

10–40%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pilosocereus machrisii?

Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Pilosocereus machrisii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pilosocereus machrisii?

Feed Pilosocereus machrisii 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 Pilosocereus machrisii?

Repot every 2-3 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 Pilosocereus machrisii?

Pilosocereus machrisii can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jamaican cereus plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pilosocereus machrisii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pilosocereus machrisii, 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 Pilosocereus machrisii?

Pilosocereus machrisii 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 Pilosocereus machrisii Need?

Pilosocereus machrisii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pilosocereus machrisii is native to from West Bahia to Minas Gerais, Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Pilosocereus machrisii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Pilosocereus machrisii 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 Pilosocereus genus — compare its care with other Pilosocereus species on PlantoScan.

Pilosocereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.

Pilosocereus machrisii thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Pilosocereus Species

Other Pilosocereus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Pilosocereus machrisii (E.Y.Dawson) Backeb., family Cactaceae (first published in Cactaceae 4: 2419. 1960.) — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pilosocereus machrisii, 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 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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