The cactus columnar are magnificent, spectacular plants. They are the most representative symbol of apparently desert climates and a visual attraction for those who enjoy plants, especially those that grow a lot in height.
This type of cactus is also a great option for those who want to have a low-maintenance garden, and above all to attract the attention of those curious who visit them.
Most plants begin their journey through this world in seed form. Columnar cacti can be reproduced in this way, or else by stem cutting, which usually root without problems if the temperature is pleasant -warm-. Although most have a rather slow growth, especially the well-known Sonoran cactus, the Saguaro, there are others that have a somewhat faster growth rate, thus making the fact that you want to have a spectacular garden does not have to wait more than a few few years.
The columnar cacti are also now very fashionable in the decoration of the gardens, since linear, minimalist designs are sought, ... and the appearance of a cactus is precisely like that. It does not take up much space, it is linear, and it has a very high ornamental value.
These cacti they can reach a height of more than ten meters, something incredible in the case of a plant without leaves. In addition, they have a very long life expectancy: some they can live more than two centuries, More than any of us!
There is one thing that I would like to highlight: cacti in their youngest age have stiff, very pointed spines, which can cut your skin with just a touch. However, as they gain height, on the upper part they do not have spines, and if they do, they are not as long as the lower part. This can be clearly seen by comparing a Saguaro with a Cardón (Pachycereus pringlei) that are the same height. In fact, some say that these two species are very similar once they are adults. When young, the Saguaro is "stockier", while the Cardón is slimmer.
Would you like to have one of these giants in your garden?
More information - Small cacti: how to care for them