BBB Macro (Grafts)

Grafted on a nice adult sun goddess and fully healed. Ready to pop

 'BBB Macro'. While "Macro" often refers to Trichocereus Macrogonus (now often classified as Echinopsis Macrogonus), and "BBB" can refer to a specific clone like 'Big Blue Bridge' (a Trichocereus Bridgesii cultivar), the specific combination "BBB Macro" strongly suggests a hybrid.

Here's what I've gathered about these related names and what 'BBB Macro' likely entails:

Understanding the components:

Trichocereus Macrogonus (or Echinopsis Macrogonus):

Native Range: Primarily found in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Appearance: Erect, columnar stems, 2.5-5 meters tall, with branches 6-15 cm in diameter. Typically has 6-8 ribs. Areoles are circular, grey or dark brown, with needle-like spines. Spine number and length vary (older areoles can have up to 20 spines in var. Macrogonus, or 3-7 shorter spines in var. Pachanoi). Stems can be blue-green and sometimes have notches.

Historical Use: Used ritually and in traditional medicine for millennia, known to contain mescaline.

Cultivation: Considered a hardy and easy-to-grow cactus. Requires well-draining soil (sandy/rocky consistency). Tolerates full sun to half-shade. Can withstand short night frosts down to -9°C (15.8°F) if kept dry, but prefers minimum average temperatures around 10°C (50°F). Water regularly in summer, allowing soil to dry between waterings, and keep dry in winter. Fertilize gently during the growing season.

Confusion: There's often confusion with Trichocereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Torch) and Trichocereus Cuzcoensis due to similar appearances and historical botanical classifications. Many plants sold as "Trichocereus Macrogonus" may actually be different types or hybrids.

Trichocereus Bridgesii 'BBB' (Big Blue Bridge):

Type: This is a cultivar of Trichocereus Bridgesii (also known as Bolivian Torch or Echinopsis lageniformis).

Characteristics: Known for being "chunky" or "fat" and having a super thick, glaucous (bluish-white waxy coating) appearance. It's considered a beautiful and healthy plant.

Origin: Often grown from cuttings from specific nurseries or collections.

Cultivation: Similar to other Trichocereus species, it roots relatively easily from cuttings and thrives with good drainage and appropriate watering.

'BBB Macro' as a Hybrid:

The most likely interpretation of "CV 'BBB Macro'" is a hybrid cross, potentially involving Trichocereus Macrogonus (or a plant referred to as "Macro" due to its large size or Macrogonus lineage) and the 'BBB' clone of Trichocereus Bridgesii.

One source specifically mentions "HB08 (formerly called BBB, or Bli Bli Behemoth)" as a T. Scopulicola x T. Bridgesii (Psycho0) seedling, selected for impressive girth, monstrous growth tendencies, and resistance to skin disorders in humid subtropics. This suggests that "BBB" can be used more broadly to denote robust, thick Trichocereus types.

Another product listing describes a "Trichocereus hybrid Macrogonus X Bridgesii Baker 5452," further supporting the idea of such crosses.

Key Characteristics and Cultivation (based on general Trichocereus care and likely hybrid traits):

Given that 'BBB Macro' is a cultivar, it would likely inherit desirable traits from its parentage. If it's indeed a Macrogonus x Bridgesii cross, you can expect:

Growth Habit: Columnar, upright growth. Expect a robust, thick stem, possibly with the glaucous blue hue of Bridgesii and the general form of a Macrogonus. Monstrous growth is a possibility, especially if 'BBB' contributes this trait.

Ribs and Spines: Will vary depending on the specific genetics, but typically Trichocereus have a moderate number of ribs (6-9 is common). Spines can be variable in length and color.

Hardiness: Generally hardy, like most Trichocereus species. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun (once acclimated) to partial shade.

Watering: Water regularly during the summer growing season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering's. Reduce or cease watering in winter, especially in colder climates, to prevent rot.

Soil: A well-draining cactus mix is crucial. Amend with perlite, pumice, or other gritty materials to improve drainage.

Temperature: Tolerant of a range of temperatures, but protect from hard freezes. Many Trichocereus can handle brief dips below freezing if kept dry.

Pests/Diseases: Watch for common cactus pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.

In summary:

'Trichocereus CV 'BBB Macro'' is most likely a hybrid cultivar, possibly a cross between Trichocereus Macrogonus (or a large, 'macro' type) and a "BBB" clone, which often refers to a robust, glaucous Trichocereus Bridgesii with good girth. As a result, you can expect a sturdy, columnar cactus that is relatively easy to cultivate with proper drainage and light.