Twelve-foot cactus in Sweetwater

June 8, 2011

Lupe Bermea of Sweetwater has been growing a cactus for over 12 years now in her back yard and it has grown to 12 feet.

Lupe Bermea of Sweetwater has been growing a cactus for over 12 years now in her back yard and it has grown to 12 feet. She received the cactus from a family member who brought it to her as a gift.
Bermea did state that this past winter with the below zero temperatures, some lower sides of the cactus have been killed. Other than that, it has been doing great.
The cactus blooms yellow flowers during the months of May through June. It grows about a foot a year, as long as weather conditions remain reasonable during the winter time. She credits part of it to the rich soil of Sweetwater.
Bermea, has also started some younger cactuses from the leaves of her 12 foot cactus. They seem to be taking to the soil just fine, as long as she keeps them well-protected during the winter season. Bermea, stated that the cactus has been used for eating purposes as well.