Stetsonia coryne, commonly known as the Argentine Toothpick Cactus, is a tall, columnar cactus species prized for its striking silhouette and bold spines. Its cylindrical, dark green stems are ribbed with prominent vertical ridges and adorned with clusters of long, needle-like spines that can vary in colour from yellowish to brown or grey. Over time, it can develop multiple branches, creating a tree-like form. While this cactus is typically cultivated as a smaller plant indoors, it has the potential to grow much larger in its natural habitat. Under ideal conditions, mature specimens may produce large, white, nocturnal flowers, though this is rare indoors.
Stetsonia coryne is well-suited for indoor cultivation, especially for enthusiasts looking for a dramatic, low-maintenance cactus. Its tolerance for dry conditions and slow growth make it an excellent addition to a sunny windowsill or conservatory.
Stetsonia coryne is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It thrives in rocky or sandy soils in areas with intense sunlight and minimal rainfall.
Water sparingly, ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again. During the growing season (spring and summer), water every 3–4 weeks, adjusting based on the temperature and light levels. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter when the cactus is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes.
This cactus requires bright, direct sunlight to thrive. Place it near a south-facing window where it can receive several hours of direct light daily. If natural light is insufficient, consider supplementing with a grow light to support healthy growth.
Stetsonia coryne prefers low humidity, typically around 30–50%. It does not require additional humidity and thrives in dry indoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for UK homes.
Maintain temperatures between 20–30°C during the growing season. This cactus can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 10°C for short periods but must be protected from frost. Keep it away from draughty windows or unheated areas during winter to prevent cold damage.
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All plants are shipped in their plastic nursery pot unless otherwise stated.
Plant pot sizes can fluctuate +/- 1cm.
We recommend to always size up your decorative pot by 1-2cm larger than the stated plant pot size. For example if you are purchasing a 12cm plant, you should purchase a 14cm decorative pot to ensure it will fit correctly.
We pride ourselves on the love and care with give our plants. Our entire team are plant obsessives at heart and so we go above and beyond to care for the plants we have in stock.
That said, plants are living beings and may differ slightly from the photo provided unless otherwise stated. Small leaf imperfections may be present and won't be compensated for. Some plants such as Begonia may suffer slight leaf melt when shipped. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about.
All our plants are stores and/or grown in our nursery under LED lighting. The conditions in our nursery are a minimum of 60% humidity and 19C year round.
