Dr. G. Scop x Ichoca (Cuttings)

All cuttings will be thick and ready to root. Please allow 5-7 days to dry if fresh cut.

'Dr. G Scop x Ichoca'" refers to a specific hybrid cultivar of Trichocereus (now often classified under Echinopsis). This name indicates its parentage: one parent is likely a selection of Trichocereus scopulicola known as 'Dr. G Scop', and the other is Trichocereus Pachanoi 'Ichoca'.

Here's a breakdown of what is known about this hybrid, drawing from information about its parent lines and general Trichocereus characteristics:

Parentage Background:

'Dr. G Scop' (from Trichocereus Scopulicola):

Trichocereus Scopulicola is a columnar cactus native to Bolivia.

It's highly sought after by collectors, often theorized to be a natural hybrid involving T. Bridgesii or T. Pachanoi.

Key characteristics of mature T. scopulicola include thick stems, fewer ribs than T. Pachanoi, and typically very short spines, giving it a nearly spineless appearance. Areoles are smaller and more oval-shaped with distinct furrowing.

Younger T. scopulicola seedlings may exhibit longer spines and less prominent furrowing.

They are known for producing large, white, night-blooming flowers with white to brown hairs on the outside. T. scopulicola plants are self-sterile, meaning they need to be cross-pollinated with a different cultivar or species of Trichocereus to produce seeds.

'Ichoca' (from Trichocereus Pachanoi):

Trichocereus Pachanoi, commonly known as San Pedro cactus, is a South American columnar cactus species native to mountainous regions of Ecuador and Peru.

'Ichoca' is a particularly sought-after clone of T. Pachanoi, noted for its stunning appearance. It is believed to have originated from the Ichoca locality in Ancash, Peru.

Characteristics often associated with the 'Ichoca' clone include an almost spineless nature and "notchy" ribs.

Trichocereus Pachanoi is generally hardy and weather-tolerant, able to withstand temperatures as low as -9°C for short periods. They are also night bloomers, producing large, showy flowers, although it can take 5-8 years for a mature plant to flower.

Characteristics of 'Dr. G Scop x Ichoca' (Inferred from Parents and Hybrid Nature):

As a hybrid, 'Dr. G Scop x Ichoca' will inherit traits from both parents, and individual seedlings can vary significantly. However, based on the parentage, you can expect:

Growth Habit: A columnar growth habit, typical of Trichocereus.

Spination: Likely to have minimal spine length, possibly leaning towards a nearly spineless appearance, given that both parent lines are known for reduced spination ('Dr. G Scop' being nearly spineless and 'Ichoca' being almost spineless).

Ribs: The number of ribs and their form could vary, potentially showing a combination of the thicker, fewer-ribbed scopulicola traits and the more "notchy" Pachanoi characteristics.

Aesthetics: Expected to be an attractive cactus, combining desirable features from both parent lines.

Variability: As with any hybrid from seed, there will be some variability among individual seedlings. Some may lean more towards the 'Dr. G Scop' parent, while others may more strongly resemble 'Ichoca'.

Flowering Habits:

Like its parents, this hybrid is likely to produce large, white, night-blooming flowers.

It would likely be self-sterile, requiring cross-pollination with another Trichocereus to produce seeds.

Flowering can take several years from seed, typically 5-8 years or more for a mature plant.

Cultivation:

General Trichocereus cultivation practices apply:

Sunlight: Thrives in full sunlight to prevent etiolated (stretched) growth. If grown indoors, a bright spot with supplemental grow lights is beneficial.

Soil: Requires a well-draining potting mix. A substrate with at least 50-70% inorganic material (like pumice, perlite, or coarse sand) is recommended, especially in humid or cooler climates, to prevent root rot.

Watering: Water only when the soil is completely dry and the cactus stem feels slightly softer or deflated. Overwatering is a common killer of cacti. Reduce or cease watering during winter or cold periods when the plant is dormant.

Temperature: Growing season is typically spring to early fall. These cacti are generally cold hardy but are prone to frost damage below 30°F (-1°C). Protect them during cold snaps by bringing them indoors or using frost blankets.

Fertilization: Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced macronutrient fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Apply every other watering during the active growing period.

Airflow: Good airflow is important to prevent fungal issues.

Pests: Susceptible to common cactus pests like mealybugs, scale, and snails. Treat with isopropyl alcohol for most pests and consider slug bait for snails.

Propagation: Can be propagated from stem cuttings, grafting, or seeds.

In summary, 'Dr. G Scop x Ichoca' is a desirable Trichocereus hybrid known for combining the attractive, often reduced-spine characteristics of 'Dr. G Scop' with the beautiful form of the 'Ichoca' Pachanoi clone. Like many Trichocereus hybrids, it's generally robust and relatively easy to cultivate with proper care.