Scientific Name
Cereus hexagonus (L.) Mill.
Common Name(s)
Blue Cereus, Lady of the Night Cactus, Queen of the Night, Six-angled Torch Thistle, Tall Columnar Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cactus hexagonus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "hexagonus (hek-sa-GON-us)" means "hexagonal" and refers to the six-angled stems.
Origin
Cereus hexagonus is native to Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Description
Cereus hexagonus is a shrubby or tree-like cactus that usually branches from near the ground and grows into candelabra form with a short main stem. It can reach up to 50 feet (15 m) in height, while the main stem can reach up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. The branches are greyish-green, blue-green to light green, and usually have six ribs and 8 to 10 spines per areole. They can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The young spines are brown and become white or gray with age.
The flowers are white, funnel-shaped, and can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. They appear from spring to summer and open at night. The edible fruits are pale red, egg-shaped, and can grow up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus hexagonus
Light: Cereus cacti like full sun. They can handle partial shade but thrive during the summer in direct sunlight. Sunny south, east, or west window is a good spot to grow a Cereus indoors.
Soil: These cacti do not like to have "wet feet" and need to be grown in well-draining soil. Use a commercial soil mix for cacti and succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: Cereus hexagonus can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, during the active growth period, water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. With the arrival of fall, gradually reduce the watering frequency.
Fertilizing: During their growing season, Cereus cacti like regular fertilizing. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to each watering. Do not feed during the winter.
Repotting: While Cereus cacti are young, it is recommended that they be repotted each year in early spring to provide fresh soil, inspect the root system, and move them to larger pots if necessary.
Propagation: Using stem cuttings is the easiest method to propagate Cereus because seed propagation is a slow process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus hexagonus
Cereus cacti are 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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