Scientific Name
Cereus spegazzinii 'Cristatus'
Accepted Scientific Name
Cereus spegazzinii F.A.C.Weber
Synonym(s)
Cereus spegazzinii f. cristatus, Monvillea spegazzinii f. cristata, Monvillea spegazzinii 'Cristata'
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Origin
This cactus is a form of Cereus spegazzinii selected for its crested stems.
Description
Cereus spegazzinii 'Cristatus', formerly known as Monvillea spegazzinii 'Cristata', is a unique cactus that creates beautiful sculptural forms as it grows. Each plant is unique. The crested stems are green to glaucous, often reddish to purplish, with many slightly raised ribs lined with woolly areoles and clusters of short black spines. Flowers have reddish outer perianth segments and white inner ones. They are up to 5.2 inches (13 cm) long, up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter, and appear from spring to summer and open at night.
C. spegazzinii often forms crested stems, and the crests often produce normal shoots.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus spegazzinii 'Cristatus'
Light: This cactus likes to be exposed to direct sunlight. It can handle partial shade but thrives in full sun during the summer. A sunny window is a good spot to grow C. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' 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. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' 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. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' 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. During the winter, when C. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' is dormant, 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 the water for 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. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' is young, it is recommended to repot each year in early spring. Once it matures, repot when your cactus is outgrowing its pot.
Propagation: This cactus can be easily propagated by cuttings during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus spegazzinii 'Cristatus'
C. spegazzinii 'Cristatus' 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
