San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin from Cultivated Peruvian Plants
Our San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin is the hand-harvested outer skin of Echinopsis pachanoi, also known as Trichocereus pachanoi and, traditionally, as Huachuma. First, our growers in Peru peel the skin by hand. Then they dry it slowly in the sun, and finally we seal it with a lot number. As a result, you get firm, ribbon-like strips that keep the natural color and surface texture of the living cactus.
We never mix in powder, preservatives or additives, so you receive only genuine cactus skin. In addition, every pack shows the species, origin and lot number. You can choose 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg or 2 kg, and orders over $300 also ship free with tracking.
What Is San Pedro Cactus?
San Pedro is a tall, fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes of Peru and Ecuador, where it grows at roughly 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level. Its botanical name is Echinopsis pachanoi, while many collectors still use the older name Trichocereus pachanoi. You can easily recognize it by its deep green, ribbed columns and evenly spaced areoles. In addition, it is one of the faster-growing members of the cactus family. For more background, see the species page on Wikipedia.
| Botanical name | Echinopsis pachanoi (syn. Trichocereus pachanoi) |
|---|---|
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Common names | San Pedro, Huachuma, Aguacolla, Gigantón |
| Native range | Andes of Peru and Ecuador |
| Growth habit | Columnar and ribbed, about 3 to 6 meters tall |
| Product form | Whole dried outer skin strips |
| Sizes | 200 g, 500 g, 1 kg and 2 kg |
| Origin | Cultivated in Peru |

San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin vs Powder
We offer San Pedro in both dried skin and powder, so you can choose the format that suits your project. Dried skin keeps the natural surface of the cactus, while powder is ready to measure. For example, collectors who want to study ribs and areoles usually prefer the skin. By contrast, our premium San Pedro powder suits anyone who needs a fine, uniform material.
| Feature | Dried Skin | Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Whole, ribbon-like strips | Fine, uniform powder |
| Best for | Display, identification and craft | Measuring and compact storage |
| Surface detail | Areoles and ribs stay visible | No visible structure |
| Shelf life | Longest, 18 to 36 months | Shorter once opened |
How We Prepare Our San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin
- SelectionFirst, we choose fully mature, cultivated cacti from Andean growers in Peru.
- Hand PeelingNext, growers remove the outer skin by hand and separate it from the inner core.
- CleaningThen we clean every strip to remove surface debris before drying.
- Sun DryingAfter cleaning, the strips dry outdoors in natural sunlight, so we use no kilns or ovens.
- InspectionWe also check every batch for color, texture and any sign of contamination.
- SealingFinally, we seal the strips in moisture-resistant packs with a lot number and date.
What Quality San Pedro Dried Skin Looks Like
Quality varies a lot between suppliers. Therefore, here is what we check for, and what you can check for too:
- Color: deep green to olive on the outside and paler green on the inner side. However, browning, black patches or bleached strips are signs of poor drying.
- Texture: firm and fibrous strips that hold their shape, so they don’t crumble apart.
- Aroma: a light, earthy, plant-like scent, but never sour, musty or chemical.
- Surface detail: genuine strips also show the areole points where spines grew, which confirms real whole-skin material.
Uses for San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin
- Botanical collections: a key Andean species that collectors often keep alongside Peruvian torch cactus.
- Identification and teaching: the visible areoles and rib marks make it a useful teaching aid, especially in botany classes.
- Natural dye and craft: the green skin is also popular with makers who use natural plant materials.
- Herbarium and archives: in addition, sealed and dated packs suit long-term reference collections.
Which Size Should I Choose?
The 200 g pack suits a first sample or a small display, while 500 g is the most popular size for personal collections. Meanwhile, the 1 kg and 2 kg packs offer the best value per gram for larger projects. For 10 kg or more, however, you can request a wholesale quote.
Free shipping over $300. You can also pair your order with Peruvian torch cactus powder or other items from our San Pedro collection to qualify.
How to Store San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin
- First, keep it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or vacuum bag.
- Then store it somewhere cool and dark, ideally below 20°C (68°F).
- Also add a silica gel packet if your storage area is humid.
- Finally, keep it away from strong smells, since dried cactus skin absorbs odors.
When you store it this way, your San Pedro dried skin keeps its color, texture and aroma for 18 to 36 months.
San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin FAQ
What is San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin?
It is the sun-dried outer skin of the San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi). Growers peel it by hand and also remove the inner core. We sell it as a botanical specimen only.
Is San Pedro the same as Huachuma?
Yes. Huachuma is simply the traditional Quechua name for the San Pedro cactus, so both names describe Echinopsis pachanoi.
How is it different from Peruvian torch dried skin?
They are related but different species. San Pedro skin is deeper green and thinner, while Peruvian torch skin is thicker and more blue-green.
Does it contain any additives?
No. The sun dries the skin naturally, so we use no preservatives, powders or chemicals.
How long does it keep?
When you keep it airtight in a cool, dark place, it lasts 18 to 36 months.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Contact us within 14 days with photos, and then we’ll replace it free. Also, read our refund and returns policy.
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Intended use: We sell San Pedro Cactus Dried Skin strictly as a botanical specimen for collection, educational, ornamental, craft and reference purposes. Therefore, it is not for human consumption, and we make no claims about any other use. Also, buyers are responsible for checking and following all local, state and national laws before ordering. Questions? Contact our team or learn more about MHRB-Supply.

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