Trichocereus purpureopilosus x Trichocereus thelegonus

Trichocereus purpureopilosus x Trichocereus thelegonus is a horticultural hybrid obtained by crossing two South American Trichocereus species. According to the sources consulted, it does not have an established common name that we can use without inventing one.

The first parent, Trichocereus purpureopilosus, is currently treated by LLIFLE as a synonym of Echinopsis lamprochlora and is native to the Sierra de Cordoba, Argentina. It has glossy green cylindrical stems, a shrubby growth habit, and very large white flowers with subtle pink hues.

The second parent, Trichocereus thelegonus, is treated by LLIFLE as a synonym of Echinopsis thelegona.

As a hybrid, the plants’ appearance may vary between specimens, combining the characteristics of the two parents in different proportions. For the listing, it is more accurate to keep the hybrid name exactly as marketed, without assigning it a single species.

🌿 Botanical characteristics

• Commercial name: Trichocereus purpureopilosus x Trichocereus thelegonus

• Type: horticultural hybrid

• Family: Cactaceae

• Parent 1: Trichocereus purpureopilosus (syn. Echinopsis lamprochlora)

• Parent 2: Trichocereus thelegonus (syn. Echinopsis thelegona)

• Plant type: perennial succulent cactus

• Columnar to branching growth

• Cylindrical stems with well-defined ribs

• Spination varies depending on the specimen

• May branch from the base as it matures

• Exact characteristics of shape, spination, and flowering may vary between hybrid specimens

☀️ Growing conditions and care

• Light: prefers a very bright position and may benefit from direct sunlight. Plants previously grown in a greenhouse should be gradually acclimatized to intense sun exposure.

• Substrate: very airy, porous, and well-draining, with a significant mineral component.

• Watering: moderate during the active growth period; allow the substrate to dry thoroughly between waterings. Avoid standing water around the roots.

• Winter: reduce watering considerably, especially if the plant is kept at lower temperatures.

• Humidity: does not require high atmospheric humidity; good ventilation is important.

• Temperature: prefers warm temperatures during the active growth period.

• Cold tolerance: since this is a hybrid and its exact tolerance may vary depending on the specimen’s genetics, I would not assign a precise minimum temperature without specific data for this hybrid. We recommend protecting container-grown plants from frost and keeping the substrate dry at low temperatures.

• Fertilization: moderate, during the active growth period, using a fertilizer intended for cacti and succulents.

🌱 Secret Garden substrate recommendation

👉 For this Trichocereus hybrid, we recommend Secret Garden Professional Substrate for Cacti, Succulents and Adenium - SG MIX, an airy mix with fast drainage.

➡️ View the product: https://secretgarden.ro/products/substrat-cactusi-suculente-adenium

✨ What makes it special

• hybrid between two South American Trichocereus species;

• may combine the robust growth of T. purpureopilosus with the distinctive characteristics of T. thelegonus;

• appearance may vary between specimens, making each plant unique;

• columnar growth and branching potential;

• well suited to collections of cacti and Trichocereus hybrids;

• may become increasingly spectacular as it matures.

📌 Note

As a horticultural hybrid, the shape, stem thickness, number of ribs, length and color of the spines, degree of branching, and any flower characteristics may naturally vary between specimens. The plant is sold without flowers.

As a result of handling, transport, or adaptation to new environmental conditions, the cactus may develop minor scars, superficial spots, areas of lignification, or damaged spines, without affecting the plant’s health or viability.

Height including pot: approx. 10 cm