Scientific Name
Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle Variegatus'
Accepted Scientific Name
Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle'
Common Name(s)
Variegated Fairy Castle Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Acanthocereus
Description
Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle Variegatus' is a dwarf, slow-growing cactus with mid-green stems with irregular creamy-yellow markings. It can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and produces many spiny, 5-angled branches that clump vertically, forming the turrets of a "fairy castle."
The nocturnal flowers are white or yellow and rarely produced.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Fairy Castle Cactus is easy to care for. Because of its popularity among beginners, it is one of the most commonly sold indoor cacti. You can find them at any garden center, online, or even at your local grocery store. They are often sold with bright straw pink or yellow flowers hot-glued to their spires to add color. However, many growers prefer gently removing the fake flowers or allowing them to fall off as the cactus grows.
This cactus is a full-sun plant that requires well-drained soil. Plant Fairy Castle Cactus in an unglazed clay pot that allows excess moisture to evaporate. It will grow best in good cactus potting soil, or you can make your own.
Place Fairy Castle Cactus in a bright, sunny location away from drafts or air conditioning. When you water, water until the liquid comes out of the drainage holes, and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering is the easiest way to damage a cactus. Fairy Castle Cactus care is easiest in winter when you can cut the amount of water the plant receives in half.
Fertilize with a good cactus fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Feed monthly or with irrigation in a half-strength dilution. Suspend the feeding in winter.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Fairy Castle Cactus.
Origin
Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle Variegatus' is a form of the very popular cultivar of Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' selected for its variegated stems.
Links
- Back to genus Acanthocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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