The Penis Cactus or Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose is a short-stemmed, avidly branched, spiny bush. The upper part is spineless and smooth, whereas the lower part is pointy and has ribs.
This Cactus appears bright light green in pigmentation and contains psychedelic phenethylamines and mescaline.
The Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose is a garden plant usually potted indoors and even outdoors, which enhances the overall greens of the plantation.
The Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose got its common name Penis Cactus because it resembles the male reproductive organ, i.e., the penis.
The properties of the Penis Cactus are pretty similar to other cacti, the growth requirements of which are also not different from the others.
If you adore different species of Cactus, then the Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose is also a must-have in your collection.
This Cactus will add beauty and variety to the greens and slight colors in your garden or plant collection.
The vibrancy is eye-catching, and the best feature of this Cactus is that it is not spiny throughout.
Table of Contents
What are the General Specifications of the Penis Cactus?
This plant usually grows up to two feet in height during early summers, which is the most suitable growing season for the cacti. In their early ages, the plants strengthen their base and spread evenly before rising.
The Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose blooms perfectly in the summers, as it requires adequate light and nutrients to maintain height, size, and color.
The Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose loves a humid environment and blooms better where there is humidity and the right amount of medium sunlight.
The plant has no other requirements, making it challenging to take care of; it’s a simple and easy-living cactus.
If you notice a slight decline in the growth of your Cactus, the weather might have caused it. As the plant does not like harsh sunlight and cold weather.
However, it is resilient in survival as long as it can, but extremely hot or cold weather diminishes the growth criteria of the plant.
The Cactus might also stop growing after specific years as it might be too old to grow; this is called maturation.
Every plant goes through the process of development, after which it reaches its maximum potential and does not grow any further.
Some plants survive longer even after maturation, and some start degenerating.
What are the Ideal Conditions for the Penis Cactus Growth?
The Penis Cactus requires adequate sun exposure in the early summers, which is not very harsh.
We highly recommend that during mid/sweltering summers, you must shift your Cactus indoors where there is the right amount of diffused sunlight that fulfills its requirements.
If there is no suitable place where the sun rays enter the house, you can place the pot where there is bright artificial light.
Another good thing about the Penis Cactus is that it can survive up to -12 degrees Celsius, and as compared to the other cacti plants, it requires comparatively more water.
More water is necessary for the plant to maintain its bright light green color, and it helps keep a strong rib at the base, which further takes part in the growth of the height of the Penis Cactus.
How to Take Care of My Penis Cactus Properly?
If you are planning to get the Penis Cactus/ Trichocereus bridgesii Monstrose for your garden or home, you must gain all of the necessary information to aid in adequate plant growth.
This primary care and growth guide is essential as it will help you throughout the plant’s growth process.
And if, for instance, you are having trouble with your Penis Cactus’ growth milestones or if your Cactus is degenerating, you might be able to rule out the most reasonable cause behind it.
You can take the following care guide steps that will assist you in understanding your plant better and helping it bloom to the maximum level.
What is the Growth Potential in Your Region?
The growth potential of geographic regions refers to the time of the year, weather and climatic condition, and the location of the area you are talking about.
When you are potting the Penis Cactus in your home, office, garden, or institute, make sure to run through the growth potential of your land according to the growth requirements of the Cactus.
Usually, cactuses don’t fuss a lot regarding growth potentials, but it has a massive hand in inhibiting or enhancing your plant’s growth level.
The Penis Cactus prefers a slightly humid environment, with not too much or too little sunlight.
The weather is neutral as it does not bloom better in colder regions.
So if you are aiming to plant it in Antarctica, you might want to reconsider the idea at least once.
Or, if you plan on planting in an open desert under total exposure to the harsh and brutal sun, it might just not be the right idea, as the plant will not grow and will be a waste of money, land, and resources.
What is the Correct Amount of Water for my Cactus?
Unexpectedly, the Penis Cactus is quite sensitive to its water requirement; the amount of water is to be correctly calculated and given according to the size of the pot.
If your pot is 3.5 inches, the correct amount of water is 0.4 cups every eleven days.
You don’t need to water your Cactus daily or on alternate days. Instead, you must calculate its water requirement according to the pot size.
The bigger the size of the pot, the more days you keep on adding to the watering schedule.
You can install an intelligent reminders application on your smartphone, which reminds you to water your Cactus and tell you the exact amount you need to water using the plant care brilliant calculator.
Where Should I Place the Cactus?
Finding the right corner in your house is key to helping your cactus bloom effectively.
The ideal place for the Penis Cactus is where there is an adequate amount of diffused sunlight.
The plant likes early summers but does not grow well in harsh sunlight.
The Penis Cactus love a sunny and bright environment, so if you are placing it outdoors, make sure that you let them expose to the sun only for a few hours and then shift it to an area where there is plenty of shade.
If your cactus placement is supposed to be indoors, you must place the pot less than one foot from the window such that it captures the maximum amount of diffused sunlight.
At this point, you might be aware that the plant does not like dull or dark-lighted areas; therefore, wherever you plan to place your Cactus, make sure it gets a good count of sunlight for hours.
What is the Ideal Pot Size to Plant?
There is no ideal or fixed size of the pot where you will place your Penis Cactus. However, a 3.5-inch plant potter might do the job efficiently.
If you are planting the Cactus in a slightly larger pot, all you need to worry about is the amount of adequate watering and soil conditions.
The Cactus grows best in mud potters due to its natural cooling tendency. Placing them in wooden, metallic, acrylic, or plastic potters is also safe.
Make sure to clean sweep the potter from the outside and inside to prevent debris collection and the spread of infectious fungi.
If you want your Cactus to bloom ideally, you should plant it in a porous pot of any material. It will help drain excessive and unrequired water from the soil, keeping the growth conditions adequate.
What Are the Soil Requirements of My Cactus?
One thing that you must be aware of is that the Penis Cactus is highly sensitive to wet soil. Therefore, the watering schedule constitutes gaps between them.
The ground needs to be damp, and if you insert a finger one inch deep into the soil, you will be able to feel that the earth is not dry or grainy.
If you keep watering the Cactus, the soil will become watery, drippy, and wet, which will have a significant impact on the growth pattern of the Cactus.
This condition might also lead to discoloration of the plant, and it will eventually degenerate, or its growth will inhibit further.
After watering the Cactus, focus on whether the water is standing still over the soil bed or if it has been adequately absorbed.
If the water remains, consider getting rid of the water from the pot or slightly plowing the soil.
Is Fertilizing the Soil Mandatory?
Fertilizers are usually helpful in increasing the pace of your plant’s growth.
However, all the necessary nutrients are present within the natural soil, which are the growth requirement of the Penis Cactus.
The Penis Cactus grows to its maximum within a year, which means that throughout the year, it has extracted all of the nutrients that were naturally present in the soil you planted it in.
It might be the right time to consider adding fertilizer to your plant, enhancing the growth further and sustaining the condition of the Cactus.
You might also need to shift your Cactus into a slightly larger pot after it has grown thoroughly so its roots can spread evenly and effectively in a larger environment.
Which Environment Does My Cactus Prefer?
The Penis Cactus prefers a humid environment, which has bright sunlight it.
If you observe that your plant is not growing as it should, it might be because the environment you have placed it in is unsuitable for proper growth.
Usually, this condition occurs in an outdoor environment, as the air is fresh and non-humid most of the time.
You are lucky if you live in a naturally humid area, as it will be your Cactus’s ultimate favorite.
What Should I Be Aware of to Protect My Penis Cactus and Surroundings?
Is my Plant Toxic, or is it a Myth?
Research has proved that intake of the Penis cactus can be toxic to one’s health conditions. Therefore, it is suggested that the plant is placed in an area where children cannot access it.
To prevent such accidents, you must keep the plant on a shelf or at a certain height that is not reachable by the child.
It might also be risky if your pet digests a part of the Cactus, as it is also dangerous for animal health.
If an unfortunate experience occurs, you must immediately contact the health care professional or take the individual/pet to the hospital/veterinary clinic for recovery.
Moisture in the Atmosphere
One thing you must do is protect your Cactus from an environment full of moisture as it will inhibit the growth of your Cactus and might even affect its vibrant color.
Always place your plant in a humid or slightly dry environment where it can relish the humidity and grow effectively.
Acidic or Alkaline Soil
The Penis Cactus prefers a neutralized soil condition, which is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Be careful while adding fertilizers, as certain types of fertilizers change the pH value of the soil, which will automatically impact the growth pattern of your Cactus.
Do I Have to Worry if My Plant is Not Growing in Winter?
It is common for sun-loving and tropical plants to stop their blooming process during the winter and fall season.
It does not necessarily mean that all of them stop surviving, but they will be seen as sleeping or simply resting without growing any further. This condition is known as Dormancy.
The Penis Cactus also goes dormant during the winter season. The most typical indication of its Dormancy is its growth will slow down gradually.
Now, what you need to do is, instead of worrying that your Cactus is dying or degenerating, it is peacefully resting.
Penis Cactus Care Basics
Taking care of a penis cactus is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right care, this unique plant can thrive and add a touch of character to any indoor or outdoor space.
In this section, we will cover the basics of penis cactus care, including watering, soil, light, temperature, and humidity.
Watering
Watering is an essential aspect of penis cactus care. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while underwatering can cause the plant to dry out and wither away.
We recommend watering your penis cactus once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.
Be sure to use well-draining soil and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil
Penis cacti require well-draining soil that allows excess water to flow out of the pot. We recommend using a potting mix that is specifically designed for cacti and succulents.
You can also add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it retains too much moisture and can lead to overwatering.
Light
Penis cacti require bright, indirect light to thrive. We recommend placing your plant near a south-facing window or under a grow light.
Avoid placing your penis cactus in direct sunlight, as this can cause the plant to burn.
If you notice your plant leaning towards the light, rotate it regularly to encourage even growth.
Temperature
Penis cacti are native to South America and prefer warm temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can cause damage to the stems and roots.
If you live in a colder climate, consider bringing your penis cactus indoors during the winter months.
Humidity
Penis cacti prefer low-humidity environments and can be sensitive to excess moisture. Avoid misting your plant or placing it in a humid environment, as this can lead to fungal growth and other diseases.
Instead, provide your penis cactus with good air circulation and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
In summary, caring for a penis cactus involves providing it with well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and a dry environment.
By following these basic care guidelines, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving penis cactus in your home or garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have learned that penis cactus or Trichocereus bridgesii monstrose is a unique and fascinating plant that requires special care to thrive.
With the right conditions, this cactus can be a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor plant collection.
To recap, we recommend the following care tips for your penis cactus:
- Light: Provide bright, indirect light for your cactus. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Water: Water your cactus regularly, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix for your cactus. Avoid heavy, clay soils that can retain water and cause root rot.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your cactus sparingly during the growing season. Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer.
- Winter Dormancy: Allow your cactus to go dormant during the winter months by reducing watering and fertilization.
By following these care tips, you can ensure that your penis cactus stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Remember to always be mindful of the unique needs of this special plant and adjust your care accordingly.
Bottom Line
The Penis Cactus is an easy-to-handle plant that doesn’t require much of your effort to help it grow properly. All it asks for is adequate water, non-moisturized soil, and bright sunlight.
Relish the beauty of the vibrant Cactus that will add variety and charm to your collection and aesthetics.
We hope this blog will be a practical guide to help you take good care of your Cactus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Penis Cactus Care:
How often should I water my Penis Cactus?
The frequency of watering your Penis Cactus depends on several factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the temperature and humidity of the environment.
As a general rule, you should water your Penis Cactus once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce the frequency to once every two or three weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).
However, it’s important to check the soil moisture level before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.
What kind of soil should I use for my Penis Cactus?
Penis Cacti prefer well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. A good soil mix for Penis Cactus should consist of equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
You can also add some coarse gravel or pumice to improve drainage. Avoid using heavy, clayey soil or soil that retains too much moisture, as this can cause root rot and other issues.
How much sunlight does my Penis Cactus need?
Penis Cacti are native to the Andean mountains of South America, where they grow in bright, indirect sunlight.
In cultivation, they can tolerate full sun exposure, but they also do well in partial shade or filtered light.
As a general rule, you should provide your Penis Cactus with at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day, but avoid exposing it to direct, intense sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
How can I propagate my Penis Cactus?
Penis Cacti are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. To propagate your Penis Cactus, simply cut a stem segment that is at least 6 inches long and let it dry for a few days.
Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it sparingly until it develops roots and starts to grow.
You can also propagate your Penis Cactus by grafting it onto another cactus species, such as Pereskiopsis, which can help it grow faster and stronger.
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