Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

About

Care Guide

Care FAQ

Pests & Diseases

More Info

Related Plants

Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Mexican fence post cactus

Add to My Garden

Mexican fence post cactus

Cereus marginatus

Also known as: Central Mexico organ pipe, Central Mexico pipe organ, Organ pipe

Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Central Mexico where it is often cultivated as a living fence. This species is planted as a barrier so frequently throughout Mexico that it is also called the Mexican fence post cactus. Mexican fence post cactus grows best in well-drained, rocky soil.

Once per month

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Care Guide for Mexican fence post cactus

Water

See Details

Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.

Fertilization

See Details

Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Sunlight

See Details

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

See Details

10 to 12

Planting Time

See Details

All year around

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

Mexican fence post cactus

Water

Once per month

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

10 to 12

Planting Time

All year around

Download and print this plant care card and attach it to your plants

Download

Questions About Mexican fence post cactus

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What should I do if I water my Mexican fence post cactus too much or too little?

Underwatered Mexican fence post cactus

Mexican fence post cactus and other succulents can endure long periods without water, so it’s unusual to find one of these suffering from underwatering. But, if you somehow forgot about your plant and neglected to water it for a month or more, you’ll probably find your Mexican fence post cactus looking thirsty or with some leaf damage from lack of watering.

It is very easy to identify an underwatered Mexican fence post cactus. The leaves will look shriveled, dry, and flat. Some may have dried up completely, turned brown and crispy, or dropped off the plant, starting with the lower leaves and moving upward as the dry conditions continue. And of course, the soil will be completely dried out.

If your Mexican fence post cactus is thirsty and underwatered, give it plenty of water as soon as possible. Submerging the pot entirely in water for about 5-10 minutes is a good way to make sure the soil and plant are rehydrated properly. When you feel a sense of moisture on the surface of the soil with your finger, it means the watering is done properly. If there are dried out leaves still attached, go ahead and pluck them off to make room for new growth.

Overwatered Mexican fence post cactus

Overwatering is dangerous to Mexican fence post cactus and can be fatal to your plant if you don’t remedy the situation. Too much moisture over time leads to root rot, which prevents the roots from being able to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Root rot occurs when wet conditions allow fungi and bacteria to flourish in the soil and feed on roots. When you find that it's overwatered, you'd better change the growing conditions, place it somewhere with more air ventilation and adjust water frequency, for example.

The symptoms of overwatering are yellow, swollen, and translucent leaves that may even burst open from being over-full with water. If the problem continues without being treated, leaves might turn brown or black, and fall off the plant at the slightest touch. Be sure to check the soil to determine if overwatering is the culprit, as some other issues can cause similar symptoms.

It’s a bit difficult (but not impossible) to save an overwatered plant. The key is catching it early before a lot of damage has occurred. If the roots become rotten, it is likely to kill the entire plant. If you suspect you have overwatered your Mexican fence post cactus, the first step is to remove it from its pot and check the roots and soil.

After removing the plant from its pot, gently remove wet soil from around the roots and then rinse them clean in room-temperature water. This helps with removing fungus that might be lurking in the soil and allows you to get a better sense of how healthy the roots are. If your plant has already developed root rot, you will see roots that are dark brown or black, soft, mushy, or slimy.

If the majority of the roots are already affected by root rot, it may not be possible to save the plant. In this case, it is best to remove any healthy leaves and try to use these to propagate a new Mexican fence post cactus. Luckily, this plant is easy to propagate even from a single leaf. If, on the other hand, only a portion of the roots have succumbed to rot and other healthy roots still remain, there is a chance it can be saved.

Use a sterilized cutting tool to remove any unhealthy-looking roots. Once you're left with only the firm, pale roots, it’s a good idea to dip them in a fungicide to kill off any remaining spores. After that you can repot your Mexican fence post cactus in fresh, free-draining potting soil. While this does not always work to save a succulent with root rot, in most cases this plant will be able to make a full recovery and will put out new growth starting in the next growing season.

How often should I water my Mexican fence post cactus?

There’s not a hard-and-fast rule for how often to water Mexican fence post cactus. The best way to determine this is to check the soil and only water when it’s bone dry. You can either stick your finger in the pot or use a moisture meter to check the soil below the surface. When you plant it in a deep pot, you can do this with a stick or chopstick. If it feels even a little bit moist, wait a few days and check it again.

Most people will need to water Mexican fence post cactus about every two weeks in summer and once a month in winter, but there are several factors that can change the frequency. The section below lists some considerations that can help you to determine how often to water.

What should I consider when watering my Mexican fence post cactus?

There are several environmental conditions that will affect how your Mexican fence post cactus needs to be watered, including the container size, soil type, temperature, and humidity.

First off, the container and soil you use will determine how often to water and how much water to use each time. Be sure you use a container with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom so extra water can escape the pot. A small container has less room for soil, meaning it won’t hold as much moisture, while a larger pot will stay wet longer and need to be watered less often. It’s important not to keep your Mexican fence post cactus in an oversized pot as this can easily lead to overwatering. When repotting, move to just one size larger than the current container. A shallow container works better than a deep one, since Mexican fence post cactus has shallow root systems.

Mexican fence post cactus will need to be watered less often in winter and more often in the active growing season in spring and autumn. During the winter, growth slows down considerably and the plant isn’t using much energy or water. There is less water lost to evaporation in cooler winter air, meaning that soil stays wet for much longer than it would in the summer.

This also applies to the general climate around your home. If you live in a humid location with a lot of rain, you will need to water less often than if you live in a dry, arid climate. Remember that conditions at the same geographic location can vary significantly with the season and the use of indoor heating and air conditioning.

Outdoor Planting

If Mexican fence post cactus is planted in the ground, after establishing a root system, it shouldn’t need supplemental water beyond what it receives through precipitation and dew. But if there is a long dry period, you may want to water occasionally. In other areas where Mexican fence post cactus can only be grown in a container, this plant can be moved outside in the spring and summer when the temperature is proper and then brought back inside when temperatures start to drop. A potted Mexican fence post cactus kept outside usually needs more water than the same plant kept indoors, because there is a lot more sun exposure even on a shaded porch.

How to water Mexican fence post cactus?

The best way to water Mexican fence post cactus is to soak it thoroughly and then allow it to dry out before it gets watered again. Since this plant is somewhat drought tolerant, you can let it get quite dry before watering again. It is always better to give this type of plant too little water over too much.

When you water, make sure the soil gets thoroughly soaked throughout the whole pot. Don’t pour the water in just one spot, but rather try to go around the whole rim of the planter to be sure that it has a chance to get wet on all sides of the plant. The correct amount of water will depend on the size of your container and how much water your soil absorbs. Give your Mexican fence post cactus enough water that it drains out from the drainage holes and then (ideally) leave the drained water in the saucer for about 20-30 minutes to absorb into dry pockets of soil. After that, discard any excess water that’s still in the saucer to avoid the soil getting waterlogged.

Bottom-watering is also an excellent method for the Mexican fence post cactus, as you can be sure that the soil gets thoroughly moistened. This process involves placing the pot into a saucer of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. You will know that the soil has absorbed enough water when the top layer is moist. This takes a bit more time than top-watering, but is almost foolproof in getting an even distribution of water throughout the pot.

The original habitat of Mexican fence post cactus is relatively dry with little rain, but when it rains, the soil will be thoroughly moistened. So you can mimic this situation by bottom-watering your plant when the soil is totally dry. Deep soil bathing is better than frequent light watering for Mexican fence post cactus.

How much sunlight does Mexican fence post cactus need to grow?

Mexican fence post cactus should get at least 6 hours of sun per day, and preferably more. An actual minimum number of hours can vary depending on the intensity of sunlight and other environmental factors, but it is unlikely that the Mexican fence post cactus will get too much sunlight. They do fine with up to 14 hours of sun per day.

What type of sunlight does Mexican fence post cactus need?

Mexican fence post cactus needs a lot of bright sunlight. As full-sun plants, they can thrive when given direct light or bright indirect sun. Some types may be able to survive with partial sun, but more sunlight is generally better.

Should I protect Mexican fence post cactus from sun exposure?

Mexican fence post cactus usually grows in some of the hottest, sunniest places in the world and is well adapted to that kind of environment, so it does not need to be protected from the sun. However, you should be careful about making a sudden move into a very sunny location if your Mexican fence post cactus is not used to it. Plants need time to adapt to different conditions, so start by moving this plant into the sun for a couple of hours at a time each day, then gradually lengthen the amount of sun exposure. Once adapted, most types of Mexican fence post cactus will be fine in full sun and don't need protection.

What will happen if Mexican fence post cactus doesn't get enough sunlight?

Without enough sunlight, Mexican fence post cactus will fail to thrive and grow. Common symptoms of inadequate sunlight include pale coloring, wilting leaves, and leaf drop. Mexican fence post cactus may also exhibit etiolation (also called legginess). This condition occurs as the plant attempts to stretch toward the light source, leading to a sparse appearance and weak stems.

What will happen if Mexican fence post cactus gets too much sunlight?

Mexican fence post cactus may develop shades of red, pink, or orange as a means of protection from excess sunlight, so many people like to cause mild sun stress to these plants during the summer. This is not harmful, and they will revert to their normal coloring when light levels decrease from autumn to spring.

If moved too quickly into direct sun, Mexican fence post cactus can suffer from sunburn. This looks like white or brown spots on the uppermost leaves that have been exposed to the most sun. A sunburned plant should be moved to a shadier location and watered if needed. Sun-damaged leaves can be removed, and should be replaced by new growth over time.

Does Mexican fence post cactus need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

As with most plants, younger Mexican fence post cactus will be more sensitive to strong sunlight and heat than a mature specimen. They should also be protected from direct sun immediately after being transplanted, either by a shade or by keeping the container in a shadier location until the plant is established and putting out new growth.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Mexican fence post cactus?

It is best to water Mexican fence post cactus in the morning, particularly during the summer months. If water sits on the leaves or in the crown of the plant, it can burn the plant when the water heats up. It’s also best not to water in the evening, since cooler overnight temperatures slow evaporation and fungi or bacteria can develop in the moist conditions.

Mexican fence post cactus grown in pots should be rotated occasionally to keep them growing symmetrically. Plants will normally grow toward the light source, so they can develop much more quickly on one side than the other if they are not rotated.

If Mexican fence post cactus is allowed to get dusty, it will not be able to access sunlight to create energy. The dust acts as a barrier, so the plant may show signs of inadequate light even if it’s in a sunny location. Keep the leaves and stems clean by wiping them periodically with a damp cloth to avoid this issue.

What's the ideal temperature for your Mexican fence post cactus?

It is more suitable to keep the Mexican fence post cactus in a particular range of conditions. Temperatures the same as 75-90℉ (25-32℃) are ideal for it. During the early winter season, the temperature shouldn't go below 75℉(25℃) for Mexican fence post cactus. You can even move it indoors as it will have better protection from the extremes.

Despite that, the Mexican fence post cactus can survive in some extreme temperatures. Sometimes can survive in low temperatures like 50℉ (15℃), but it is not ideal. You should bring it inside if winter conditions are expected outside.

How should I adjust the temperature for my Mexican fence post cactus during different growing phases?

Mexican fence post cactus has different growing phases. In the first stage, the dormant seed grows and transforms into a seedling. The dormant seeds need the appropriate conditions in their surroundings to grow as their seeds need a temperature of 75-90℉ (25-32℃) to germinate. The ideal time to make it grow vigorously is during the summer, as the most suitable temperature is around 85℉(30℃). You can adjust the placement of your Mexican fence post cactus from indoors to sunlight during the hot summer months to receive enough sunlight.

How can I keep my Mexican fence post cactus warm in cold seasons?

It's advisable to bring your Mexican fence post cactus indoors to avoid the harsh winter conditions. People opt to buy different types of grow light to provide enough sunlight for the plant. However, if your home is not extremely dark, it is not essential to buy these lights. Keep your plants where they will get the most sunlight possible. There should be sufficient light to keep the Mexican fence post cactus thriving in winter. If you have several Mexican fence post cactus, then keep them rotating so that they all receive enough sunlight.

Avoid placing your Mexican fence post cactus too close to the window if you live in northern areas with frigid weather. The cold may be extreme to them, due to which they might get damaged.

What happens to my Mexican fence post cactus when the temperature is too high or too low?

Your Mexican fence post cactus can grow better in summers and do better in warm temperatures 90℉(32℃) but you should protect it from temperature extremes during hot climates.

However, during winter, it is better to keep your plant dry. Mexican fence post cactus do well in temperate climates having temperatures between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). However, some gardeners can expose their Mexican fence post cactus to extreme temperatures causing stress in their plants. While high temperatures ranging between 90℉ and 95℉(32-35℃) can help maintain the deep colors for Mexican fence post cactus, you must be careful when trying out such experiment. During the hot summer season extremely high temperatures can burn your Mexican fence post cactus damaging their stem and root system. During the hottest time of the day (when the temperature is extremely high), consider relocating your plant to a shaded place or protect them with a shade cloth.

How should I adjust the temperature for my Mexican fence post cactus in different seasons?

In summers, high temperatures make the growth of Mexican fence post cactus slowed down to survive in too hot a temperature.

As the cooler periods and rainfall begins, the Mexican fence post cactus starts growing. If the place you live in has hot summers and warm winters with more rainfalls, you aren't required to change anything.

However, if you live in a place with cold winters, you should let your Mexican fence post cactus grow more in summer and rest in winter. It is because there is not enough sunlight for Mexican fence post cactus to grow in winter.

You can help your Mexican fence post cactus enter dormancy if you live in a place with cold temperatures by decreasing the temperature to 50℉ to 75℉ (15℃ to 25℃).

How can I keep my Mexican fence post cactus warm without a heating pad?

To withstand freezing temperatures outside, as a solution, you can insulate your Mexican fence post cactus with frost cloths, row covers, tents etc. You can also mulch your Mexican fence post cactus with small rocks. Mulching the Mexican fence post cactus soil will provide warmth to your plants and will not let you over-water the plant.

How can I protect my Mexican fence post cactus from temperature damage?

Mexican fence post cactus is adapted to sunlight and requires sufficient sunlight for healthy growth. You can place it in an outdoor environment without any shade. However, Mexican fence post cactus shouldn't be kept for a long time in the blazing sunlight in the hot summer when it requires to be put under shade so that extreme temperature doesn't damage them. If the winter is extreme in our area, you must keep your Mexican fence post cactus indoors to keep them away from frost.

What are the tips and precautions for keeping my Mexican fence post cactus at the right temperature?

Increase water and fertilizer during the growth of plants in spring and summer. Prevent your plant from receiving too much sunlight. To cool plants, spray water around them when the temperature is exceptionally high but don't put water on their stem.

Why do I need to fertilize my Mexican fence post cactus?

Fertilizing Mexican fence post cactus adds nutrients to the growing medium. Even though it does store water and nutrients, applying plant food during the growing season helps support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also encourage mature specimens to produce blooms in the growing season.

When is the best time to fertilize my Mexican fence post cactus?

While all plants benefit from additional nutrients, Mexican fence post cactus only needs a light dose of fertilizer during the growing season. The frequency of fertilization should be 1-2 times a year. It is suggested to fertilize your Mexican fence post cactus in the spring and autumn, but not in winter&summer when it is dormant. Be careful with repotted plants, you will want to reduce the amount of fertilizer. It’s also a good idea to wait a couple of months after repotting before you start applying fertilizer.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Mexican fence post cactus?

Like most plants, Mexican fence post cactus has a dormancy period and it is when you want to stop the applications of fertilizer. In the summer and winter, the plant ceases growing, and it is when you want to stop applying fertilizer. It’s also a good idea to cease fertilizing for the first couple of months after repotting in the spring.

What type of fertilizer does my Mexican fence post cactus need?

It’s best to use a liquid plant food formulated for succulents and cacti when you are fertilizing Mexican fence post cactus. Dilute the fertilizer with water to half-strength. You do not want the fertilizer building up in the soil. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant and water thoroughly, ensuring any excess moisture drains from the container or seeps into the ground.

How do I fertilize my Mexican fence post cactus?

It is easier to use liquid plant food when you are fertilizing Mexican fence post cactus, but granules are another option. Follow the directions on the packaging, making sure you dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength. Whether you are using granules are liquid plant food, always apply it to the soil. Cover the granules with a thin layer of soil and water regardless of the type of plant food you are using.

What happens if I fertilize my Mexican fence post cactus too much?

Over-fertilizing Mexican fence post cactus is a common problem with new and experienced gardeners. The plant has low nutritional needs and it’s easy to apply a little too much fertilizer. Over-fertilizing Mexican fence post cactus can burn the plant’s sensitive roots resulting in its slow decay. Without its root system, the plant cannot absorb nutrients and moisture.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Mexican fence post cactus based on 10 million real cases

Scars

Any light-colored markings that appear on stems but which do not enlarge or multiply are simply scars that have healed.

Solutions: Each source of scarring requires a different approach to help your plant recover. Protect the trunk and leaves from physical damage like scrapes. If pests or disease are the cause of scarring, isolate the plant from others to avoid further spread. Some pests can be removed with organic remedies such as a soft cloth and soapy water solution or diluted isopropyl alcohol spray. Stop sunburn by moving your plant away from direct sunlight and making sure it has the water it needs. Frequent leaf or bud loss may be due to insufficient light or nutrients.

Fruit withering

Fungal infection or normal ripening can cause the fruit to dry out.

Solutions: There are a number of appropriate solutions to control fruit withering: Remove any fruit as soon as it shows any signs of infection. Do not compost. Use a fungicide prior to leaf bud and then as per manufacturers instructions throughout the season.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Plant dried up

The entire plant may dry out due to dieback or normal seasonal dormancy.

Solutions: The solution for a dried out plant depends on the cause, so determine the cause before selecting a treatment method. Adjust your watering: Stick your finger in the soil near the roots. If it feels bone dry or overly saturated, you need to adjust your watering frequency accordingly. Prune back dead foliage: Snip off any brown stems and leaves on the plant to make space for new growth. This encourages the roots to send up fresh stems. Move to a proper environment. This may involve decreasing or increasing sun exposure, depending on the species. Decrease fertilizer applications. If you have applied too much fertilizer, you can repot plants with fresh potting soil. Wait. If your plant has dried out as daylight is decreasing, it is entering dormancy. Decrease watering and wait until the plant resumes growth.

Low light

A lack of sunlight will cause the stems and leaves to elongate and appear lighter in color.

Solutions: Low light can only be addressed by increasing light availability, and these measures will only stop further etoliation; current distortion cannot be reversed. Move plant to a position where it receives more light. Check the requirements for specific species, as too much sunlight can cause a plant to burn. Introduce appropriate artificial lighting. Some people choose to prune the longest stems so the plant can concentrate on healthy new growth under the improved lighting.

Stem rot

Bacterial infection can cause the stems to become soft and rotten.

Solutions: If the plant is only infected a little, it can sometimes be saved. This mainly applies to houseplants that are grown in pots. Here's what to do. Remove the plant from the pot and gently shake off as much soil as possible. Using pruning tools that have been disinfected, remove any diseased foliage and roots. Be sure the new pot has good drainage holes and wash it with one part bleach and nine parts water to ensure that it is completely clean and sanitized. Dip the plant's roots in fungicide to kill off any remaining fungal spores before potting into the clean growing medium. Only water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry and never let the plant sit in water. For plants that are grown in the ground, it's best just to remove the infected plants and destroy them. Do not plant in the same spot until the soil has been allowed to dry out and has been treated with a fungicide.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

More Info

Plant Type

Succulent, Shrub

Flower Color

Pink

Red

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Symbolism

Endurance

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Cactuses

Genus

Cereus

Species

Mexican fence post cactus

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Related Plants

Sweet pea bush

Sweet pea bush is a shrublet with beautiful pink-to-violet flowers and is a prolific bloomer. It is used in gardening as well as, to an extent, in traditional medicine. However, do not let the name of this pretty plant fool you - despite being called Sweet pea bush, it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Bloom Time

All year around

Blindness tree

The blindness tree is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is endemic to Southeast Asia and China. Its sap is toxic and can cause blindness if you get it in your eyes. Its distinctive long, narrow leaves are dual-colored, being shiny dark green on one side and deep maroon on the other. The leaves also have a papery texture.

Bloom Time

All year around

Serbian bellflower

The serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) is a semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant native to the Dinaric Alps which run throughout former Yugoslavia. While there are many cultivars, the cultivar Stella has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Bloom Time

Summer, autumn

Garden Usage

Suited to cooler climates, the serbian bellflower is a pretty perennial flowering plant commonly planted as a garden ornamental. Loved for its cup-shaped flowers that bloom in blues, whites, and pinks, its resiliency and self-reliancy makes it perfect for beginners. As long as the weather doesn't get too warm, and the plant is growing in well-draining soil, it will remain happy and healthy.

Caribbean copper plant

Euphorbia cotinifolia, also known as the caribbean copper plant, is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 to 6 m tall. The sap of this plant is poisonous, so protective equipment such as gloves and long sleeves should be worn when pruning. The Latin name 'cotinifolia' is derived from the Latin word 'cotinus,' which means 'smoketree' and 'folia,' which means 'leaf.' It is also commonly referred to as the Tropical Smokebush.

Bloom Time

Spring, summer, autumn

Garden Usage

Euphorbia, commonly known as spurge, is a very diverse genus of plants that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Spurges are appreciated for the unusual beauty and vivid colors of their flowers and leaves. A long blooming period, unique inflorescences, easy maintenance, and good tolerance to drought and heat all make spurges favorite ornamental plants for landscaping and decorative gardening. Spurges include both annual and perennial species. Some of these species are herbaceous, while others are succulent.

Mason congo

Mason congo (Sansevieria masoniana) is a plant species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mason congo is also called the Whale Fin Snake Plant for its wide leaves. This species is often cultivated as a succulent houseplant and grown in pots.

Bloom Time

All year around

Garden Usage

Mason congo, a member of the Sansevieria genus, is an evergreen perennial. Plants in this genus tolerate both shade and drought. They don't require a specific soil type and are easy to care for, which makes them ideal houseplants. They are common foliage plants with erect, green-and-white-striped leaves. They generally blossom in the winter, with white or pale green flowers that look pure and pretty.

Smallspike false nettle

The smallspike false nettle grows to be 50 to 100 cm in height with green to greenish-white flowers. Small, oval-shaped seeds of the smallspike false nettle are covered in small, hook-like hairs. This plant grows well in floodplains or bottom ground and is found across North America and into Central and South America.

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round Bearded iris See More BloomTime:Spring The Bearded iris is a flowering plant that appears in many different colors. It is a popular garden plant because it’s easy to grow. Though their native lands are in Europe, Bearded irises are often grownContinue reading “Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round”

Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Plant Collection Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round White mulberry See More BloomTime:Spring A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the White mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silkContinue reading “Suggested Plants to Build a Garden That Blooms All the Year Round”

View More Articles

Add to My Garden

Mexican fence post cactus

Cereus marginatus

Also known as: Central Mexico organ pipe, Central Mexico pipe organ, Organ pipe

Once per month

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

Care Guide for Mexican fence post cactus

Water

Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.

Fertilization

Fertilization once every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Questions About Mexican fence post cactus

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What should I do if I water my Mexican fence post cactus too much or too little?

Underwatered Mexican fence post cactus

Overwatered Mexican fence post cactus

How often should I water my Mexican fence post cactus?

What should I consider when watering my Mexican fence post cactus?

There are several environmental conditions that will affect how your Mexican fence post cactus needs to be watered, including the container size, soil type, temperature, and humidity.

Outdoor Planting

How to water Mexican fence post cactus?

How much sunlight does Mexican fence post cactus need to grow?

What type of sunlight does Mexican fence post cactus need?

Should I protect Mexican fence post cactus from sun exposure?

What will happen if Mexican fence post cactus doesn't get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Mexican fence post cactus gets too much sunlight?

Does Mexican fence post cactus need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Mexican fence post cactus?