Where it grows:
Trichocereus bridgesii is native to Bolivia, and while the crested form may occur in nature, it is more commonly seen in cultivation.
Special features:
This is the crested form of the ‘penis cactus’. It is therefore technically both crested and monstrose, giving its stem a highly contorted form. If one uses their imagination, the plant takes on the appearance of waves in a stormy, roiling sea.
These cacti have almost no spines. The mutation is stable and almost never reverts to normal, columnar growth.
Care Guide:
As with most cacti in the Trichocereus genus, these plants prefer receiving plenty of sunlight. Full morning sun will accentuate their colours well. If kept in a greenhouse, it should not be under more than 40% shadecloth. They like a well-drained, gritty soil mix. Give them plentiful water in the warmer months, but do not water in winter. Bottom watering is advisable, as any water that gets stuck on the contorted stem may cause rot.
Growing season:
Spring and summer.
Propagation:
Cuttings.