Hildmann's Cereus
Cereus hildmannianus
A striking columnar cactus whose large night-blooming flowers attract hawk moths under moonlight.
Hardy to roughly 25-28°F, USDA 9-11; best in the low desert with light frost protection in cold pockets.
AMWUA Notes
Very drought tolerant columnar cactus that thrives on minimal summer water.
Care Guide
Water deeply once or twice a month spring through fall and keep dry in winter; it tolerates neglect once established and rots if overwatered.
Minimal; remove damaged or frost-bitten stems and, if desired, cut columns to control height or propagate.
Optional light feeding with a dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring; unnecessary in decent soil.
Generally trouble-free; watch for mealybugs and scale in the ribs and treat with horticultural oil.
Tips and young growth can sunburn if suddenly relocated to full sun, and the plant may need frost protection below 28°F.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Stem cuttings (let cut end callus first) or seed
8-10 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; set the columnar mass back from walkways and structures
Placement Tips
- •Give room for the 10 ft spread and set back from walkways.
- •Site in sharp-draining soil or decomposed granite.
- •Use as a vertical night-garden accent where the evening blooms can be enjoyed.
- •Keep away from pool edges given its eventual size.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
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Use this care guide to maintain your Hildmann's Cereus. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Hildmann's Cereus — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Hildmann's Cereus need in Phoenix?
Hildmann's Cereus is a low-water cactus once established. Water deeply once or twice a month spring through fall and keep dry in winter; it tolerates neglect once established and rots if overwatered. Very drought tolerant columnar cactus that thrives on minimal summer water.
How big does Hildmann's Cereus get?
Expect roughly 15 ft tall and 10 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 8-10 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; set the columnar mass back from walkways and structures.
Can you plant Hildmann's Cereus near a pool?
Not ideally. Hildmann's Cereus is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Hildmann's Cereus handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Hildmann's Cereus is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy to roughly 25-28°F, USDA 9-11; best in the low desert with light frost protection in cold pockets. Tips and young growth can sunburn if suddenly relocated to full sun, and the plant may need frost protection below 28°F.
Does Hildmann's Cereus have thorns?
Yes — Hildmann's Cereus has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Hildmann's Cereus safe around pets?
Hildmann's Cereus is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Hildmann's Cereus bloom in Arizona?
Hildmann's Cereus blooms in spring-summer, with white flowers. The bloom draws hawk moths.
How much maintenance does Hildmann's Cereus need?
Hildmann's Cereus is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Minimal; remove damaged or frost-bitten stems and, if desired, cut columns to control height or propagate.
What kind of soil does Hildmann's Cereus need?
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Optional light feeding with a dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring; unnecessary in decent soil.
Is Hildmann's Cereus native to Arizona?
No. Hildmann's Cereus is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Eastern South America, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.