Consolea macracantha

Upright treelike cactus with character, developing spiny trunk over time. Drought tolerant but will grow quickly with summer water. Summer flowers orange and yellow at the same time.

	height	6–12ft
	width	3–6ft
	tolerates	Drought, Deer , Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect, Wind
	water needs	Low – Moderate
	water info	While consoleas are drought-tolerant, they will grow very quickly with regular summer water, good drainage, and fertilizer. These tropical cactus will often show they are thirsty when their leaves begin to shrivel. If they don’t get enough water for a long period, they will drop their paddles. Often these shed paddles will root and grow once rain comes. Consoleas prefer good drainage, but they are tolerant of a wide range of soils.
	hardy to	30F
	exposure	Part Sun – Full Sun
	indoor outdoor	Outdoor
	drainage	In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
	fertilizing	All Purpose
	origin	West Indies
	california native	No
	sunset zones	13, 17, 19–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Consolea have an upright form, growing from a central vertical trunk (or two). As the cactus reaches a mature height, it will naturally drop its lower leaves and the trunk will cork and become rough with bark.

Special Interest

Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to consolea’s summer flowers.