Tom's Juul's Giant (Cuttings)

"Tom's Juul's Giant," often shortened to TJG or sometimes just "Juul's Giant," is a legendary and highly coveted clone of Trichocereus Pachanoi (San Pedro cactus). Its fame stems from its impressive size, distinct appearance, and rich history within the cactus community.

Here's everything known about 'Tom's Juul's Giant':

Origin and History:

The Man Behind the Name: The clone is named after Thomas (Tom) Juul, an ex-butcher and avid succulent collector who grew a massive specimen of this cactus in his backyard garden in San Francisco, California.

Importation: The original plant was imported into the United States by Tom Juul. While the exact origin before Juul is not definitively known, it is presumed (based on research by Keeper Trout and others) that Juul obtained the plant from a UC South American Cactus

Collection expedition. This suggests it is likely an Ecuadorian Trichocereus pachanoi form.

Initial Distribution (Cactus Gem Nursery): The first commercial distribution of 'Tom Juul's Giant' began when Jim Daniel, owner of the defunct Cactus Gem Nursery, obtained cuttings from Tom Juul after a strong wind storm caused segments of Juul's massive plant to break off. Daniel named the clone "Tom Juul's Giant" to honor his friend and to distinguish it from other T. pachanoi (like the common "PC" clone) he was selling.

Later Distribution (Kakster & Sacred Succulents): Years later, when Tom Juul's house was slated for demolition, a local Trichocereus collector named Kakster (a well-known figure in the community) obtained more cuttings from the original backyard plant. Kakster then distributed these cuttings to friends and customers, including the influential Sacred Succulents nursery and Cactus Affinity, which played a major role in its wider dissemination. This lineage back to Tom Juul's yard is sometimes denoted as "Tom J's Giant (yard)."

Confusion and "TJGoids": Due to its popularity, many similar-looking Pachanoi plants are sometimes sold as "Juul's Giant" even if they don't have a direct, documented lineage to Tom Juul's original plant. These look-alikes are sometimes called "TJGoids." True TJG is difficult to spot from photos alone due to the variety of T. Pachanoi forms.

Key Characteristics:

Size ("Giant"): As its name suggests, 'Tom's Juul's Giant' is known for its magnificent size and distinctive, chunky, grey-green stems. It can grow to be very thick and reach impressive heights, reportedly up to 20 feet tall in optimal conditions.

Growth Habit: Coveted for its distinctive growth habit, characterized by chunky, robust stems.

Coloration: Typically described as grey-green or sometimes a deep, dark green.

Spination: It bears minimal spination or very short spines, making it relatively easy to handle and safer around people and pets.

Flowers: It produces large, fragrant, white, nocturnal flowers, typical of Trichocereus Pachanoi. Interestingly, 'Tom Juul's Giant' reportedly has slightly different flowers compared to the general Trichocereus Pachanoi species type, though most growers might not have seen it flower themselves.

Vigor: It's a vigorous and fast grower, making it a desirable plant for landscapes where it can receive direct, full sun for at least 6 hours.

Virus (TMV): Some specimens of 'Tom Juul's Giant' (particularly those with the "yard" designation) are noted to have a "splotchy yellow color" that is believed to be caused by the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), which is inherent to this clone. While visually distinctive, it doesn't seem to significantly hinder the plant's overall health or growth.

Cultivation and Availability:

Propagation: As a clone, 'Tom's Juul's Giant' is primarily propagated from cuttings. Both tip and mid-cuttings are highly sought after.

Demand: It remains in high demand among Trichocereus collectors due to its historical significance, robust growth, and attractive appearance.

Hybridization: 'Tom's Juul's Giant' is a very popular parent plant in hybridization programs. Breeders like Sacred Succulents and Misplant have used it to create numerous successful crosses (e.g., 'SS01' x 'Juul's Giant', 'Lumberjack' x 'Juul's Giant'). Its genetics are valued for contributing girth and vigor.

Hardiness: Like other Trichocereus pachanoi, it's relatively hardy. It can handle temperatures as low as -9°C (15°F) for very short periods, but sustained frosts should be avoided. It thrives outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11 and can be grown indoors or under glass in cooler climates. It requires well-draining soil and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.

In conclusion, 'Tom's Juul's Giant' is a truly iconic Trichocereus pachanoi clone with a rich Californian history. It's renowned for its massive size, chunky grey-green stems, minimal spination, and its enduring popularity as both a collector's item and a valuable genetic resource for breeders.