Acanthocereus tetragonus, formerly known as Cereus tetragonus, is a tall columnar cactus native to southern Florida and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle', commonly known as Fairy Castle Cactus, is a miniature cultivar of this species with many curved branches that resemble the turrets of a castle. Because some experts classify this cactus as a cultivar of Cereus hildmannianus, it is also known as Cereus hildmannianus f. monstruosus 'Fairy Castle'.
This cactus is a very slow-growing plant that reaches up to 6 feet (1.8 m). The stems are 5-sided with woolly-based spines along each plane. The limbs are bright green, turning woody and brown with age. Different branches are formed over time, slowly lengthening and producing an interesting silhouette. Nocturnal, white, or yellow flowers are rarely produced. They are large and will not occur until the plant is ten or older.
Fairy Castle Cactus is easy to care for. It is one of the most commonly sold indoor cacti because of its popularity among beginners. 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. Many growers prefer gently removing the fake flowers or allowing them to fall off as the cactus grows.
Growing Conditions and General Care
Fairy Castle Cactus requires full sun and well-drained soil. Plant the cactus in an unglazed clay pot that allows excess moisture to evaporate. Fairy Castle Cactus 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. Water the plant until the water comes out of the drainage holes, and then allow the soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering is the easiest way to kill a cactus. Fairy Castle Cactus care is most effortless in winter when you can cut in half the amount of water the plant receives.
Fertilize with a good cactus fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Feed monthly or with irrigation in a dilution that is half-strength. Suspend the feeding in winter.
Repotting
Fairy Castle Cactus needs plenty of space for its roots. Therefore, repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Propagation
Fairy Castle Cactus propagates quite easily from cuttings. Simply sever a branch and replant in moist, well-drained soil. It helps to allow the cut end to dry out and harden before you replant it. This makes it easier for the new cactus to form roots.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Links
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