Macrogona

More about Macrogona

Not much is known about the Echinopsis macrogona. While some say it might have originated in Bolivia, others believe its roots lie in Brazil or Argentina. Some may even say the Echinopsis macrogona is not even a species in its own right, but rather a variety of the Echinopsis peruvianus. Regardless of all that, however, macrogona is certainly a type of mescaline cactus and as such, has all of its entheogenic and psychedelic potential. 

In terms of looks the Macrogona is very similar to the Peruvian Torch, apart from its spines which take a rather red or dark brown colour. The Macrogona cactus grows in a columnar fashion and can reach heights of around 3 meters. Its stems have on average 3 to 5 cm in diameter, with some specimens becoming even wider. The colour of the Macrogona is typically bluish. 

Like most of the Echinopsis genus, growing Macrogona is relatively easy. If you have previously grown a San Pedro or a Peruvian Torch, growing a Macrogona won’t be much different. Like most of the other cacti in its genus, the Macrogona is a rather sturdy plant capable of surviving in the harshest of the conditions. It needs very little water and it can withstand harsh winters. Preferably, nevertheless, it should be kept at temperatures above 10°C. As long as it is potted in a well drained soil with sufficient nutrients, this cactus will thrive. 

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 macrogona (= Trichocereus macrogonus)