Cuzco Torch (Echinopsis cuzcoensis)

More about Cuzco Torch (Echinopsis cuzcoensis)

If you do a quick search on Cuzco Torch you might not find much information. Indeed, the identity of this cactus is still pretty much a debate for many. Whereas some may say it is simply a variety of another Echinopsis species _perhaps the Echinopsis peruvianus_ some say the differences between the two is enough to classify the Echinopsis cuzcoensis as a separate entity. Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear about the Cuzco Torch: it is a mescaline cactus and it is mostly found in Cuzco, Peru. 

At a quick glance, it would probably be difficult for one to spot the difference between a Cuzco Torch, a San Pedro,  a Bolivian Torch and a Peruvian Torch. The secret for the identification, however, lies on the spines, which come in a big cluster in the case of the Cuzco Torch. Indeed, the Cuzco Torch tends to have spines in groups of 8 to 12. As for the ribs, they usually grow 7 to 9 well rounded ribs with areoles present at intervals of between 1 to 2 cm. The spines that grow out of the areoles are usually round and have a knobby base. When young, the spines have a yellow to dark brown colour and as they age, however, they turn to dark grey or white tones. The spines are usually around 6 to 10 cm long. 

Growing a Cuzco Torch is not very different from growing a Peruvian Torch or a San Pedro. As long as it is kept dry, well fed and under a relative good amount of direct sunlight, the cactus will thrive. A good tip is to plant the cactus on a pot with holes on the bottom and put the pot on a plate filled with water. This way only the necessary amount of water is absorbed by the soil, preventing it from being overwatered. As for the sunlight, it might be a good idea to place the cactus in a spot where direct sunlight is available only at certain moments during the day.

Nursing tips:

After delivery, place the unrooted cuttings in a pot with dry, well draining cactus soil and place them in a light spot but not in direct sunlight. After about a month, you may give it a little bit more sunshine and very carefully start watering the cutting. 

Make sure that you don't overwater the plant before it has roots and let it get used to full sunlight gradually to prevent sunburn. Allow for the soil to dry out between waterings, in spring or autumn you're going to water less then in summer and in the winter you don't need to water your cactus at all.

Scientific name

Echinopsis cuzcoensis (= Trichocereus peruvianus v. cuzcoensus)