Plant Min Zone: 9b
Plant Max Zone: 11b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Very Low
Soil Quality: Poor
Bloom Season: Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color: Cream
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Bluish Green
Summer Foliage Color: Bluish Green
Fall Foliage Color: Bluish Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils
Height: 2' - 5'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Slow, Medium
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
Grown for its beautiful bluish-green skin and relatively few spines, San Pedro Cactus () is usually a patio or house plant in Kansas. Because it grows naturally in the Peruvian Andes Mountains at high altitude and with high rainfall, it can withstand temperatures far below that of many other cacti. In the wild, this species is hardy to 15-20 degrees F for short periods of time. Grow in full sun with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining medium organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Before extreme cold occurs, move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings.(also to prevent lanky winter growth) As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light producing weak new growth. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant. The San Pedro cactus contains a number of alkaloids, including the well-studied chemical mescaline. In the US, it is currently legal to cultivate the San Pedro cactus for gardening and ornamental purposes, but not for consumption.