Wildlife value of Organ Pipe Cactus — an unexpected bonus

I planted Organ Pipe Cactus primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. architectural sculptural form that needs no flowers to impress seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a dry garden rockery or gravel bed which allows me to watch the activity up close. complete dormancy in winter with no watering is the most active period for wildlife visits. using pure mineral grit for drainage in the soil mix is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. root rot from any waterlogging in winter is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.