Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Polaskia chichipe
Polaskia chichipe is a tree-like column cactus from the Tehuacan Valley of central Mexico, where its fruit is sold as chichituna. It forms a short trunk topped with many curved, wavy-ribbed branches and can reach 13 to 16 feet over time. In early summer it opens small cream flowers, followed by sweet red fruit. It grows slowly, so younger plants suit pots and small beds for years.
Best for: a slow-growing accent for a pot or small bed, a future cactus tree in a frost-protected spot, and collectors who want an unusual Mexican column.
Over the years it builds a short trunk with many curved branches on top. The green stems carry 9 to 12 wavy ribs lined with gray spines.
It grows slowly, so a young plant stays a manageable size in a pot or small bed for years. Use a fast-draining cactus mix.
Small cream to greenish flowers open in early summer. Pollinated flowers turn into small red fruit that is sweet and edible.
It is not frost tolerant and can be damaged near freezing. Wet soil in cold weather leads to rot, so keep it nearly dry in winter.
- Group planting10 ft apart
Wait about a week after planting before the first water. Then water every other week while nights stay above 60°F. In cooler weather, water only after two to four weeks without rain.
Water regularly from spring through summer and let the soil dry completely between soaks. Keep it nearly dry in winter, since cold, wet soil causes rot.
Plant it with the same side facing the sun as in the nursery. Cover a new plant with light shade cloth its first summer, then remove it.
It is not frost tolerant. On frost nights, cap the stem tips with foam cups or cover it with frost cloth to the ground, and take covers off in the morning.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does Polaskia chichipe get?
Over many years it can grow into a small tree about 13 to 16 feet tall, with a short trunk and many curved branches. It grows slowly, so plan for years before it branches.
Is the fruit edible?
Yes, the small red fruit is sweet and edible. In central Mexico it is sold as chichituna, so pick it once it turns fully red.
When does it bloom?
It flowers in early summer with small cream to yellow-green flowers. A flower can stay open through the day and into the next night.
How cold can it take?
It is not frost tolerant and is damaged near 30°F. Cover it with frost cloth or a foam cup on each tip on frost nights, or move a potted plant under cover.
How often should I water it?
Water regularly in the warm months, but let the soil dry completely between soaks. Keep it nearly dry in winter to avoid rot.
Does it need full sun?
Yes, it grows best in full sun. Shade a new plant lightly its first summer so it does not sunburn.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes, its slow growth makes it a good pot plant for years. Use a pot with drainage holes and a fast-draining cactus mix.
Where is it from?
It grows wild in the Tehuacan Valley of Puebla and Oaxaca in central Mexico. Plant it where it can get winter protection, since it is not a frost-hardy desert cactus.
Polaskia chichipe for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Polaskia chichipe, called chichipe or chichituna in Mexico, is a slow, tree-shaped column cactus grown for its branching form and edible red fruit. Below is what to expect in a Valley yard or pot, from size and water to frost care and flowers.
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Polaskia chichipe in Arizona
Polaskia chichipe is a slow, tree-like column cactus from central Mexico. It grows well in Valley pots and beds with little water, as long as it gets frost protection.
How big Polaskia chichipe gets
Over many years it can reach 13 to 16 feet, with a short trunk and many curved branches. Young plants stay small for years.
Chichituna fruit
Its small red fruit is sweet and edible and is sold in Mexico as chichituna. The fruit follows small cream flowers in early summer.
Frost care for Polaskia chichipe
It is not frost tolerant and is damaged near 30°F. Cap the tips with foam cups or use frost cloth on cold nights.
Watering Polaskia chichipe
Water regularly in the warm months and let the soil dry between soaks. Keep it nearly dry in winter.
Polaskia chichipe in pots
Its slow growth makes it a good pot plant for years. Use a fast-draining cactus mix and a pot with drainage holes.
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