Tricho Vault – Tr. bridgesii Lost Label

Introduction

I have decided to have one listing to showcase these individual plants.

Growing Requirements:

Trichocereus are relatively easily grown in the UK, especially due to the fact that they do not require massive amounts of sunlight. As most cacti grown in the UK, they are best grown in a greenhouse or conservatory (grow tents are also used for younger plants), South facing is a distinct advantage.

Watering

Watering from Spring (April) to the beginning of Autumn (End September). Depending on what kind of summer we get will depend on how frequently you need to water, but, less is better with cacti. During the winter months, little to no watering is required or the roots could rot (they do not like to be wet for long periods).

Substrate

In warmer climates, you could go for a more nutrient-rich mixture (50% organic / 50% inorganic). But, in the UK, it is best to err more on the side of inorganic (60% – 70% inorganic) to ensure the pot is drained quickly.

Locality

Trichocereus bridgesii is native to Bolivia, where it grows in the dry Andean valleys.

History and Taxonomy

The species was originally published as Cereus bridgesii by German botanist Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck, usually cited as Salm-Dyck, in 1850. His original account records that English botanist and plant collector Thomas Bridges brought the plant from Bolivia in 1846. The name bridgesii was given in his honour. Britton and Rose transferred the species to the genus Trichocereus in 1920, creating the familiar name Trichocereus bridgesii. Following the later reclassification of Trichocereus into Echinopsis, the species became Echinopsis lageniformis. It could not be called Echinopsis bridgesii because that name had already been used for a different Bolivian cactus. Echinopsis lageniformis is the currently accepted botanical name, although Trichocereus bridgesii remains firmly established among growers and collectors, many of whom still refuse to bow to the great Echinopsis takeover!

Synonyms

• Echinopsis lageniformis
• Bolivian Torch Cactus
• Cereus bridgesii var. lageniformis
• Trichocereus bridgesii var. lageniformis
• Wachuma Bolivia
• Achuma Bolivia