Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Cardon Plant Care
Stetsonia coryne (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its tall, columnar shape covered in sharp spines resembling a cactus. Originally from Argentina, Stetsonia coryne's striking appearance and rarity make it a coveted addition to any plant collector's garden.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Cardon?
Water Cardon every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cardon Native To?
What Is the Cardon?
Cardon (Stetsonia coryne) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Stetsonia genus. Cardon is native to arid regions of South America. Cardon is also known as Pereskia, Pereskia cactus, Pereskia grandiflora.
Cardon displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Cardon produces large white nocturnal blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cardon?
Stetsonia coryne 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 Cardon Need?
Cardon thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cardon Prefer?
Stetsonia coryne grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Cardon prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cardon?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Cardon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cardon?
Feed Cardon 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 Cardon?
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 Cardon?
Cardon can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Cardon Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cardon, 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 Cardon?
Cardon is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Cardon Need?
Cardon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cardon is native to arid regions of South America. In cooler regions, grow Cardon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Cardon 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 Stetsonia genus — compare its care with other Stetsonia species on PlantoScan.
Stetsonia is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Cardon 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: Stetsonia coryne (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae (first published in Cactaceae 2: 64, pl. 9. 1920.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cardon, 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Cardon Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species