Columns

[juster]

Just recently there has been a discussion about whether columnar cacti have become less popular. I don't have many, but here's a view of some of mine today

A Trichocereus which is a cutting from one of my very first cacti, given to me by my father in 1964, Cleistocactus strausii, Eulychnia saint-pieana and Cephalocereus senilis.
I thought that others might like to add their columns to this thread.

[RAYWOODBRIDGE]

Beautiful Eulychnia Juster, my saint-pieana is only a 4yr seedling, but starting to look the part. Interesting thread because I now realize how few photos of my columns I have taken compared to the smaller cacti when they are flowering, so this summer I must get the camera out and put that right, but here are 2.

Firstly a group of seedlings I sowed 5 to 7yrs ago on the top shelf.


Second a couple of older plants on the floor.

[SpikyMike]

Sadly I have little space for many plants - and only this one columnar plant. I’ve never had an ID on it. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[RAYWOODBRIDGE]

Looks like one of the many forms of Vatricania guentheri Mike.

[juster]

Beautiful Eulychnia Juster, my saint-pieana is only a 4yr seedling, but starting to look the part. Interesting thread because I now realize how few photos of my columns I have taken compared to the smaller cacti when they are flowering, so this summer I must get the camera out and put that right.

Thanks Ray, I bought it as a very small plant at the 1992 National, it needs repotting but it's going to be tricky to move it, even with my husband's help. It's true, we do rather concentrate on photos of plants with flowers, I will try to take a few smaller cerei later.

[habanerocat]

Eulychnia, a cactus only a mother could love........

I only have one and I can't get it going at all. Any advice?

[Mark07]

Here’s mine as of today. I’ve had this one for about 25 years and it’s had a few years outside in the North West of England over its lifetime but still going strong.

I’ve had it as Trichoceus Terscheckii but if anyone with a bit more experience can let me know if I’m wrong!

[Paul in Essex]

Here is a pic from 2017 of my main columnar cactus plants.
Trichocereus terscheckii both large (around 15ft) and small. A brace of splendid T. pasacana (7ft and 5ft) and a double headed T. poco that you can just about see the top of. Some lovely Soehrensias, too. Since taking the pic there is a third T. pasacan in there now to replace the, now dead, Aloe 'Hercules' and the Furcraea, central, is getting rather large.

[Ali Baba]

Difficult to get in the greenhouse this time of year until the plants start going out for the summer but here are a couple of views. They may be unfashionable but I like the variety

[juster]

Eulychnia, a cactus only a mother could love........

I only have one and I can't get it going at all. Any advice?

I've always treated mine just the same as my other cacti, a feed once a month or so in the summer with Chempak 8, and a minimum of about 5C in the winter. I think maybe cerei appreciate quite regular potting on. Maybe you just have one of those plants that won't get going; I'm sure this happens, similar treatment, some seem happy, some won't move.