Peruvian Torch Plant Care
Trichocereus macrogonus (Salm-Dyck) Riccob.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Echinopsis macrogona, synonym Trichocereus macrogonus, is a species of cactus found in Bolivia and Peru. Echinopsis macrogona is one of a number of similar species that may be called San Pedro cactus.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
10–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Peruvian Torch?
Water Peruvian Torch every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Peruvian Torch?
Peruvian Torch (Trichocereus macrogonus) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Trichocereus genus. Peruvian Torch is native to Bolivia and Peru. Peruvian Torch is also known as San Pedro Cactus.
Peruvian Torch displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Peruvian Torch produces large, showy white flowers that bloom at night.
How Often Should You Water a Peruvian Torch?
Trichocereus macrogonus 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 Peruvian Torch Need?
Peruvian Torch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Peruvian Torch Prefer?
Trichocereus macrogonus grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Peruvian Torch prefers humidity levels of 10–60%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Peruvian Torch?
Well-draining cactus mix with added pumice or perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Peruvian Torch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Peruvian Torch?
Feed Peruvian Torch 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 Peruvian Torch?
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 Peruvian Torch?
Peruvian Torch can be propagated through stem cuttings, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bolivian torch cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Peruvian Torch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Peruvian Torch, 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 Peruvian Torch?
Peruvian Torch 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 Peruvian Torch Need?
Peruvian Torch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Peruvian Torch is native to Bolivia and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Peruvian Torch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Peruvian Torch 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 Trichocereus genus — compare its care with other Trichocereus species on PlantoScan.
Trichocereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Peruvian Torch 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: Trichocereus macrogonus (Salm-Dyck) Riccob., family Cactaceae (first published in in Boll. Reale Orto Bot. Palermo 8: 236. 1909.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Peruvian Torch, 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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