Trichocereus Bridgesii / *SS02* Seedlings Plus FREEBIES

"SS02" is one of the most famous, culturally important, and highly sought-after Trichocereus bridgesii (Bolivian Torch) clones in the entire cactus community. Originally introduced to the market by the California-based nursery Sacred Succulents (hence the name "Sacred Succulents #02"), it has achieved legendary status among collectors for its distinct, beautiful look and its incredible value as a powerhouse parent plant for hybrid breeding.

• The Collectors: The clone originally came from the private collection of Ed and Betty Gay, legendary mid-century succulent enthusiasts known for their extensive botanical trips through South America.
• The Discovery: Ben Kamm, the founder of Sacred Succulents, acquired the plant directly from the Gays' massive backyard stands in full U-Haul truckloads to preserve and propagate the lineage.
• Cultivar Status: Because its original wild collection data was lost over the decades, SS02 is categorized as a named cultivar rather than a specific wild landrace. Every authentic SS02 plant in the world is a genetic clone propagated via cuttings from that original mother stand.

• Frosty Blue Skin: It is highly glaucous, meaning it produces a thick, powdery, silver-blue coating that gives the columns a stunning frosted appearance, especially when grown in partial shade or bright indirect light.
• Massive Girth: It grows significantly fatter and heavier than standard wild bridgesii varieties. Mature columns easily reach 4 to 5 inches in diameter, sporting 5 to 7 sharp, prominent ribs.
• The "Short Spine" Look: SS02 is famous for its erratic, restrained spination. Its newest growth is often completely smooth and spineless. As the stems mature, it drops only 2 to 4 thick, sharp, honey-colored central spines per areole, giving it a clean, semi-naked aesthetic.

• Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct outdoor sunlight daily. In scorching desert climates (like Texas or Arizona), it appreciates light afternoon filtered shade to maintain its intense silver-blue coloring without getting sunburned.
• Soil (Crucial): Plant in an ultra-gritty, fast-draining substrate. Mix 50–60% inorganic material (pumice, perlite, or crushed granite) with 40–50% organic potting soil. SS02 handles moisture poorly if the soil stays wet.
• Watering: Use a strict "soak and dry" method. Water the soil thoroughly until it runs out the bottom of the pot, then wait until the entire root zone is bone-dry before watering again.
• Winter Dormancy: During the winter, drastically reduce or entirely stop watering. Keep the plant dry and protected from hard freezes (ideally above 35°F / 1.6°C). If kept wet during cold weather, SS02 is highly prone to developing black humidity spots or root rot.

Will come bare & with roots. May have critters due to growing outdoors.

*First two photos are from the internet & are only used here so you have a good idea of what your seedling will look like when it gets older.