Baker

The name “Baker” primarily refers to “Baker 5452”, a phenotype of Trichocereus bridgesii. It typically exhibits classic bridgesii characteristics, including a glaucous green epidermis, somewhat long bright green to yellow spines typically clustering in three per areole, and typical skinny bridgesii columns. Some growers report that it can occasionally exhibit semi-monstrose or “melty” growth.

Additionally, there is at least one other distinct clone circulating under the name “Baker” that is genetically separate from the 5452 collection.

Baker 5452 was originally sourced for B. Baker by J. Cruz. The specimen was collected from a shaman's garden located in Jayuri, Murillo Province, La Paz, Bolivia. This clone is highly notable for its use in hybridizations by the breeder Misplant, where it is commonly abbreviated in seed lists simply as “Baker” (e.g., “Baker x Reynolds” or “Baker x Eileen”).

A separate, non-5452 clone also circulating as “Baker” was distributed around 2018 or 2019, reportedly sourced from Diego Pachanoi.

As a clone of Bolivian origin (specifically La Paz, corresponding to USDA Zone 9a), Baker 5452 prefers well-draining soil, deep but infrequent watering, and protection from hard freezes. Like many bridgesii phenotypes, it may show sensitivity to high humidity and excessive moisture, which can cause black humidity spots on the epidermis. Provide bright, filtered sunlight or acclimated full sun.

The community discussion highlights significant nomenclature confusion. The name “Baker” is frequently used as shorthand for “Baker 5452” in Misplant crosses, which leads to confusion with other distinct clones circulating under the same name.

Bob Baker is recognized as an expert override regarding the history of this clone. Krüz Kalke and Goode Bai provide high-confidence, highly detailed historical and botanical context that aligns with established collection records. Zachary Howard provides reliable first-hand provenance details regarding the distribution of the non-5452 “Baker” clone.