Pilosocereus is a genus of around 50 species belonging to the Cactaceae family. They are columnar cacti that have a distribution range from Mexico and the West Indies down to northern South America. They are mostly large columnar cacti. The name Pilosocereus comes from the Latin for ‘hairy Cereus’. As many other Cereus related cacti, Pilosocereus have large, light coloured, heavily scented, funnel shaped flowers that open at night and stay open for less than 24 hours. Pilosocereus are generally not frost resistant, and should be protected. If one of your plants are outside and a light frost might occur, stick a polystyrene cup at the top of each stem. This added protection is enough to avoid damage to the frost tender growing point, and it can be left for several weeks without any damage to the plant. Most Pilosocereus come from an area that has a marked dry season from November to May, and a wet season from May to October. In cultivation, they will generally enjoy regular watering and fertilizing in late spring to early autumn, while only light watering is needed the rest of the year. They grow well in large pots and do pretty well on covered verandas in frost prone areas. Just remember to turn your pot once in a while!

Pilosocereus magnificus is another magnificent example of why the Pilosocereus genus is so popular with landscapers. It is native to Brazil where it is found in the drainage of the Rio Jequitinhonha in north-eastern Minas Gerais where it can be found growing naturally in subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and rocky areas. It is rare in nature and is under threat of habitat loss.