The crested shape of this cactus makes it unique in its kind, the fan crest is always different in different plants. For this reason the exemplar is very appreciated by collectors around the world. In its normal form is a columnar cactus with a green stem, equipped with ribs and fluffy areolas from which emerge its thin spines of yellow color that over time become darker. The flowers of P. bloom throughout the year at the apex of the stem, are large, funnel-shaped in color ranging from pink to purple red.