Organ Pipe
Stenocereus thurberi
A majestic multi-stemmed native cactus whose night-blooming flowers are pollinated by lesser long-nosed bats.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 25-28°F, USDA 9-11; a warm low-desert Sonoran native.
AMWUA Notes
Native and extremely drought tolerant; needs no supplemental water once established.
Care Guide
Established plants need no irrigation; water a young transplant monthly its first summer only, keeping it dry to prevent rot.
Remove frost-damaged or broken stems, sterilizing tools between cuts.
Not needed.
Bacterial rot from cold, wet conditions is the main risk; pests are rare.
Frost-tender in youth; protect the tips below 28°F, and night flowers in late spring and summer feed bats.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Stem cuttings (callus first) or seed
8-10 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; site the multi-stemmed mass away from walkways
Placement Tips
- •Feature as a multi-stemmed specimen with room for a 10 ft spread.
- •Keep away from walkways.
- •Plant in fast-draining granite on a warm south or west exposure.
- •Protect from cold-air pooling in low spots.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Organ Pipe. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Organ Pipe — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Organ Pipe need in Phoenix?
Organ Pipe is a very low-water cactus once established. Established plants need no irrigation; water a young transplant monthly its first summer only, keeping it dry to prevent rot. Native and extremely drought tolerant; needs no supplemental water once established.
How big does Organ Pipe get?
Expect roughly 10 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; site the multi-stemmed mass away from walkways.
Can you plant Organ Pipe near a pool?
Not ideally. Organ Pipe is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Organ Pipe handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Organ Pipe is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 25-28°F, USDA 9-11; a warm low-desert Sonoran native. Frost-tender in youth; protect the tips below 28°F, and night flowers in late spring and summer feed bats.
Does Organ Pipe have thorns?
Yes — Organ Pipe has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Organ Pipe safe around pets?
Organ Pipe 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 Organ Pipe bloom in Arizona?
Organ Pipe blooms in spring-summer, with pale pink flowers. The bloom draws bats.
How much maintenance does Organ Pipe need?
Organ Pipe is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove frost-damaged or broken stems, sterilizing tools between cuts.
What kind of soil does Organ Pipe need?
Fast-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not needed.
Is Organ Pipe native to Arizona?
Yes. Organ Pipe is native to Arizona and to the Sonoran Desert, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.