Origin

The Tree Cactus belongs to thePilosocereusgenus and is native to parts of Central and South America as well as Florida and the Bahamas. A wide range of cacti are included within this genus, from very commonly cultivated variations to others that are so rare that they're not typically ever found outside of botanical sources.

MostPilosocereusare shrub- or tree-like (hence the name 'Tree Cactus'!), and some specimens are known for the eye-catching bright blue tint to their skin.

Many, although not all, have spines of various colors such as silver or orange. These can show in stark contrast to the color of the cactus' skin, making these plants a great option to brighten up your home or garden.

Care

These cacti need sunlight and plenty of it! For this reason, they often do better outdoors (provided that you live in a warm enough area, as they also need heat and will definitely not tolerate frost). However, they can also do well in a bright, sunny spot in your home. Unlike with some other types of cactus, you don't need to worry about your Tree Cactus becoming sunburnt - they'll do just fine in full sun.

Also in contrast to other species of cactus, the Tree Cactus can be quite thirsty! They can handle being given more water than other cacti - although it's still very important not to overwater them. You should check the soil before watering, and make sure it's a well-draining soil (preferably one specifically intended for cactus plants) in order to help prevent root rot from developing.

Other

These desert species can grow incredibly tall (dependent on the specific variety) and at a fast rate too: up to around 2 feet (61 cm) per year may be added to your Tree Cactus' height. Some kinds may reach more than 33 feet (10 m) in height when grown outdoors! Don't worry about them dwarfing your home though - they'll stay much smaller when grown indoors as a houseplant.

Some Tree Cactus varieties are unfortunately threatened in their native environment. This is largely due to destruction of their natural habitats. Luckily though, their popularity as a houseplant means that they won't die out entirely.