Scientific Name
Cereus bicolor Rizzini & A.Mattos
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "bicolor (BY-kul-ur)" means "of two colors or having two colors" and probably refers to the bicolored spines.
Origin
Cereus bicolor is native to Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul).
Description
Cereus bicolor is a rare, shrubby cactus with blue-green branches, each with 7 or 8 ribs lined with woolly areoles that bear clusters of bicolor spines. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. The branches can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height and up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter. The areoles bear 3 to 5 central and 6 to 8 radial spines.
The nocturnal flowers are white and can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The edible fruits are spherical to egg-shaped and usually red.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus bicolor
Light: This cactus likes full sun. It can handle partial shade but thrives in direct sunlight during the summer. A sunny window is a good spot to grow C. bicolor indoors. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two to encourage balanced growth. If possible, get your cactus outdoors from spring to fall.
Soil: C. bicolor does not like to have "wet feet" and needs to be grown in well-draining soil. Use commercial soil mixes for cacti or make your own mix.
Hardiness: During the active growth period, this cactus likes warm temperatures, while in winter, it likes cooler temperatures. C. bicolor can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. With the arrival of fall, gradually reduce the watering frequency. When C. bicolor is dormant in winter, give it just enough water to prevent shrinking.
Fertilizing: During its growing season, this cactus likes regular fertilizing. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to each watering. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is ideal. Instead of making a solution of water and fertilizer, there are also dry fertilizers. Do not fertilize during the winter.
Repotting: While C. bicolor is young, it is recommended to repot each year in early spring. Once it matures, repot when your cactus is outgrowing its pot.
Propagation: Using stem cuttings is the easiest method to propagate C. bicolor because seed propagation is a slow process. Planting of the cuttings is best done when the cactus is actively growing. Spring and summer is the best time to sow the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus bicolor
C. bicolor is non-toxic to humans or animals.
Links
- Back to genus Cereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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