Say it: nee-oh-bux-BOW-mee-uh pol-ee-LOH-fuh. Common names: golden saguaro, cone cactus.
Where it grows
Canyons of central Mexico in Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Querétaro, on steep limestone walls.
Size and growth
A single unbranched column that can top 40 feet, with 20 or more narrow ribs and bright golden spines — hence “golden saguaro,” though it isn't related. Young plants are rounded and look like golden barrels before stretching into columns. Moderate growth: faster than a saguaro, slower than a Cereus.
Flowers
Small red to dark pink flowers near the top of mature stems in late spring. Flowering takes many years and some height.
Care
- Light: full sun.
- Water: regular in summer, dry in winter.
- Soil: gritty, fast-draining, ideally with some limestone.
- Cold: keep above about 30°F.
From seed
Easy. Germination in 7–21 days, and the golden spines appear early, making even young seedlings attractive.