Synonyms:

Echinopsis lageniformis f. monstruosa cristata

Habitat:

Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosa cristata does not exist in the wild; it is a form developed and maintained exclusively in cultivation, originating from mutations of the Bolivian species. The parent species, Trichocereus bridgesii, grows in the arid highlands of Bolivia, in very bright and dry areas with strong temperature fluctuations between day and night, rooting in poor, rocky and well-drained soils.

Description:

The name of this plant combines the genus Trichocereus, from the Greek thrix (“hair”) and cèreus (“candle”), referring to the bristly spines and columnar habit of the species, with the specific epithet bridgesii, dedicated to the British botanist and naturalist Thomas Bridges, who collected numerous South American specimens in the 19th century. The terms “monstruosa” (monstrose) and “cristata” (crested) describe the plant’s morphological anomalies: “monstruosa” refers to irregular growth caused by meristem mutations, while “cristata” refers to the fan-like development in which the growing point expands into a wavy line rather than a single point.

Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosa cristata belongs to the genus Trichocereus and to the family Cactaceae. It is a stable cultivar that never produces “normal” growth and consistently maintains its monstrose or crested form. The stem, a glaucous green often covered with a light bloom, develops into complex and irregular shapes that may form upright, undulating fans or globose, contorted segments – even within the same specimen. Over the years, stems can reach heights of 25-40 cm. Spines are greatly reduced, often absent, but occasionally appear in small groups of 1-4 on rare areoles located in the thinner parts of the crest. They are straight and sturdy, honey-colored to brown, and can reach up to 4 cm in length.

This plant rarely flowers in cultivation due to its anomalous growth. When blooms do appear, typically in the warmest months, they are large, white or cream-yellow, strongly fragrant, and open during the evening or nighttime hours, as is typical of the genus. The flowers feature a long floral tube and numerous petals arranged to form a wide funnel shape.

Cultivation:

It requires little specific care and grows rather slowly, especially in specimens with more pronounced crested or monstrose forms.

It prefers a highly draining, mostly mineral substrate that prevents any waterlogging. A mix of pumice, lava rock, coarse sand and a small amount of light organic matter is recommended. When grown in pots, deep containers with good drainage holes are ideal to ensure proper water flow.

Watering should be moderate and only carried out when the substrate is completely dry. During the warm season, it can generally be watered about every 10 days, while in autumn watering should be gradually reduced and almost completely suspended during winter.

It prefers a very bright location and tolerates full sun well. Young plants or those not yet accustomed to direct sunlight should be introduced gradually to avoid sunburn during the hottest periods. In overly shaded positions, the plant tends to stretch and lose the characteristic definition of its crested forms, while strong light supports proper development of its monstrous growth. In winter, it is sufficient to keep the plant in a dry and bright environment.

It does not require heavy feeding: a light application of cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season is enough. With the arrival of autumn and throughout the winter, fertilization should be suspended.

Repot only when necessary, generally every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes too small for the plant’s development. Handle with care, as the crested and monstrose sections can be more fragile. The new container should be deep and well-draining, filled with a fresh mineral substrate.

Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosa cristata is not considered dangerous to the touch; any irritation is mainly caused by the spines, which can produce small scratches or localized inflammation if they penetrate the skin. For this reason, it is advisable to handle the plant carefully and use appropriate gloves when moving or repotting it.

This plant can develop fungal diseases if overwatered. Moreover, when watering is not properly managed, it tends to develop black rot spots, making it essential to water moderately and preferably only during the warmer parts of the year.

Care tip: crested forms often develop small areas of suberization, meaning patches of corky, scar-like tissue caused by their irregular growth. These spots, if dry and stable, are completely normal and should not be removed, as they represent a natural physiological response of the plant.

Propagation:

This plant is propagated almost exclusively through cuttings, as seeds do not retain the monstrose or crested characteristics of the parent plant. Segments should be taken with a clean, sharp cut and left to dry for a few days until a well-formed callus develops. Once placed in a highly draining mineral substrate, they root fairly easily when kept in a bright and slightly dry environment.

Curiosity:

The crested form is a particularly rare variant of the more common Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosa and is highly valued by collectors. It is in fact a spontaneous mutation that appears only in a small percentage of individuals.