brain cactus
Stenocactus multicostatus
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Brain cactus (Stenocactus multicostatus) is a succulent for containers, low maintenance gardens, and xeriscapes. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. Bees visit its flowers, and the plant stays evergreen and handles drought well.
Pairs well with Purple sage, Desert spoon, Matilija poppy, and Bindweed.
Native range
North America.