Dragon Fruit Cactus
A tropical climbing cactus (Selenicereus spp., formerly Hylocereus) with fleshy, three-angled stems, spectacular night-blooming flowers, and edible dragon fruit; requires protection from Phoenix’s intense sun and winter freezes. Special Features Edible fruit with white, red, or purple flesh depending on variety; large fragrant nocturnal flowers; aerial roots attach stems to supports. Problems & Solutions Intense […]
Edgars Red Dragon Fruit
Edgar’s Red is a climbing tropical cactus grown for red-skinned dragon fruit with red to magenta flesh. Often sold as Selenicereus undatus, its exact species or hybrid parentage may vary by supplier. Special Features Edible red-fleshed fruit, spectacular night-blooming flowers, and aerial roots that attach to supports. More moisture-loving than desert cacti. Problems & Solutions […]
Indian Comb Cactus
A large, tree-like columnar cactus native to northwestern Mexico and the Sonoran Desert. Forms tall ribbed columns and branches with age, with dense comb-like spine clusters. Bears white nocturnal flowers followed by spiny red edible fruit. Special Features Drought tolerant once established; edible fruit historically used by indigenous peoples; provides wildlife habitat and nesting sites […]
Argentine Hedgehog
A clumping Argentine cactus with upright, ribbed green stems, golden to brownish spines, and large, showy flowers. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; dramatic seasonal flowers; produces offsets that gradually form a dense clump. Problems & Solutions Root rot in wet soil (improve drainage and reduce watering); sunburn in intense reflected heat (provide afternoon shade); […]
Argentine Giant
A clumping Argentine cactus with stout, ribbed green stems, golden spines, and exceptionally large, fragrant white flowers. Special Features Spectacular fragrant blooms; heat and drought tolerant once established; flowers attract nocturnal pollinators. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture (improve drainage and let soil dry); sunburn from sudden exposure or reflected heat […]
Staghorn Cholla
A branching Sonoran Desert cactus with antler-like, jointed stems, prominent spines, and unusually variable flower colors. Special Features Exceptional heat and drought tolerance; sculptural branching; flowers attract native bees, and dense branches provide bird shelter. Problems & Solutions Root rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and avoid frequent irrigation. Sharp, barbed spines and detachable joints: […]
Stetsonia
A large, tree-like Argentine cactus with ribbed, blue-green stems and long, stout spines; commonly called toothpick cactus. Special Features Dramatic branching silhouette, exceptionally long spines, strong heat and drought tolerance, and showy nocturnal flowers. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot in wet soil (ensure excellent drainage); sunburn after sudden exposure (acclimate gradually); freeze injury, […]
Stetsonia Cactus
A tree-like South American cactus with thick, ribbed, blue-green stems and long, stout spines; commonly called toothpick cactus. Special Features Bold architectural form; exceptionally long toothpick-like spines; heat and drought tolerance; large night-opening flowers. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture (ensure excellent drainage); sunburn after abrupt exposure (acclimate gradually); frost injury, […]
Strawberry Hedgehog
A Sonoran Desert native cactus with clustered, ribbed green stems densely covered in spines, showy spring flowers, and edible strawberry-like fruit. Special Features Heat and drought tolerant; native wildlife value; attracts native bees; produces edible red fruit when pollinated. Problems & Solutions Root and stem rot from excess moisture: improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Sunburn […]