Bruces Dragon (Cuttings)

'Bruce's Dragon' is a highly sought-after cultivar of Trichocereus bridgesii (also known as Echinopsis lageniformis), a columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains, primarily Bolivia. It's particularly famous among cactus collectors for its unique and often "melty" or "notchy" growth patterns, which can be quite unpredictable and visually striking.

Here's a breakdown of what's known about 'Bruce's Dragon':

'Bruce's Dragon' is an Australian-originated cultivar.

Its name comes from a person named Bruce who had a large stand of this unusual Trichocereus bridgesii growing on his property. Initially, the owner found the "melty" appearance undesirable and was going to remove it, but members of the cactus community intervened and salvaged cuttings, leading to its widespread propagation and popularity.

It is suspected to be related to another Trichocereus bridgesii clone called 'Eileen'.

Characteristics and Growth Habits:

Growth Form: 'Bruce's Dragon' exhibits unique, often unpredictable growth patterns. It can be "notchy," "melty," or have irregular rib formations. It's often described as a "monstrose" form, meaning it has an unusual, sometimes distorted growth.

Stems: The stems are generally blue-green.

Spines: It can have random spine formations, with some areas being spineless and others having spines. The spines can vary in length and appearance.

Flowers: Like other Trichocereus bridgesii, if it flowers (which can take around 10 years of growth), it produces large, white, night-blooming flowers.

Growth Rate: It is known to be a vigorous and relatively fast-growing cactus, even on its own roots.

Unique Genetics: Its distinctive growth is due to its unique genetics, making it a highly desirable collector's item.

Propagation:

'Bruce's Dragon' is a specific cultivar, meaning it can only be reliably propagated through clonal reproduction. This is done by taking cuttings from an existing 'Bruce's Dragon' plant.

These cuttings can then be:

Rooted on their own: This involves allowing the cut end to callous over for a few weeks before planting it in well-draining soil.

Grafted onto another cactus: Grafting can accelerate growth and help establish smaller or more difficult-to-root cuttings.

It cannot be grown true to type from seed. If a 'Bruce's Dragon' plant were to flower and be pollinated by another Trichocereus (it cannot self-pollinate effectively), the resulting seeds would produce a hybrid, not a true 'Bruce's Dragon'.

Care:

Sunlight: Like most Trichocereus, 'Bruce's Dragon' thrives in ample sunlight. Full sun is generally preferred, but it can tolerate partial shade. In extremely hot climates, some midday protection might be beneficial to prevent sunburn.

Soil: Excellent drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. A well-draining cactus mix, often containing sand, perlite, and other aerating ingredients, is ideal.

Watering: Water more frequently during the growing season (spring and summer) once the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter as the plant enters dormancy, watering perhaps once a month or less.

Humidity: Trichocereus bridgesii generally doesn't tolerate high humidity very well and can be prone to rot if left in humid conditions for extended periods.

Temperature: Mature Trichocereus bridgesii can handle relatively low temperatures (around 5°C or 41°F) before needing to be brought indoors, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be fatal.

Pests: Watch out for common cactus pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat them promptly if spotted. Good airflow and a healthy plant generally make it less susceptible to systemic issues.

Desirability and Price:
'Bruce's Dragon' is highly desirable among cactus enthusiasts and collectors, leading to its higher price compared to more common Trichocereus varieties. Its rarity, unique aesthetics, and vigorous growth contribute to its appeal. As more people propagate it, the availability increases, which can eventually lead to a decrease in price over time.