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

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

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.