Photo: cstobieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Giant Cereus Plant Care
Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas (Werderm. & Backeb.) F.Ritter
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its towering columnar stems reaching heights of up to 30 feet, the Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas makes a stunning addition to any arid landscape. Native to the deserts of Peru, this cactus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare and unique cephalium, a woolly, flower-bearing structure that forms at the top of the plant.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
60–85°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Cereus?
Water Giant Cereus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant Cereus Native To?
What Is the Giant Cereus?
Giant Cereus (Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Weberbauerocereus genus. Giant Cereus is native to Arequipa Department, Peru and consists of 2 subpopulations. Giant Cereus is also known as Cephalomacrostibas Cactus.
Giant Cereus displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Giant Cereus produces large white nocturnal blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Cereus?
Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas 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 Giant Cereus Need?
Giant Cereus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Cereus Prefer?
Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Giant Cereus prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Cereus?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Giant Cereus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Cereus?
Feed Giant Cereus 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 Giant Cereus?
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 Giant Cereus?
Giant Cereus can be propagated through stem cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to churin columnar cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant Cereus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant Cereus, 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 Giant Cereus?
Giant Cereus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Giant Cereus Need?
Giant Cereus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Giant Cereus is native to Arequipa Department, Peru and consists of 2 subpopulations. In cooler regions, grow Giant Cereus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Giant Cereus 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 Weberbauerocereus genus — compare its care with other Weberbauerocereus species on PlantoScan.
Weberbauerocereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Giant Cereus 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: Weberbauerocereus cephalomacrostibas (Werderm. & Backeb.) F.Ritter, family Cactaceae (first published in Kakteen Südamerika 4: 1353. 1981.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant Cereus, 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: cstobie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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