Pilosocereus chrysostele

golden pillar
Columnar, thin and upright, rarely branching, with many straw-colored spines. Interesting blunted white to pink flowers are almost petal-less.
height 4–10ft
width 1–2ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Narrow Planting, Pots
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Most cactus are from deserts and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry, water it.

Golden pillar comes from an area of Brazil with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and won’t tolerate overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to		 32F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength
origin NE Brazil
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 16, 17, 19–24, H2

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

This cactus branches from the base with age, but retains its vertical form.
When growing in cooler zones, such as zone 17, this cactus should be grown in a sheltered area and protected from cold winter rains. Planting in a mix of 50% pumice to 50% cactus mix will make this cactus more durable in cold winter rains.
Only fertilize from late spring through early fall.

Special Interest

While this plant hasn’t been prepared to grow indoors, we have heard of them doing quite well as a houseplant in a sunny warm room. If you’re adventurous give it a try!