Scientific Name
Cereus insularis Hemsl.
Synonym(s)
Cereus ridleii, Monvillea insularis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "insularis (in-soo-LAIR-is) " means "of or pertaining to an island, insular" and refers to the location of the type specimen.
Origin
Cereus insularis is native to Brazil (Pernambuco).
Description
Cereus insularis is a cactus with erect or trailing stems with 6 to 8 straight ribs and gray areoles, each with a cluster of 12 to 15 brownish-yellow or grayish-brown spines. The stems are green and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Spines are up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long.
The nocturnal flowers are yellow, measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, and appear in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus insularis
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 commercial soil mixes for cacti and succulents, or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: Cereus insularis can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: During the active growth period, water thoroughly from spring to fall, 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 them with 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 insularis
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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