Scientific Name
Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console
Common Name(s)
Bilberry Cactus, Whortleberry Cactus, Blue Candle
Synonym(s)
Cereus geometrizans, Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Echinocereeae
Genus: Myrtillocactus
Description
Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a large, highly branched cactus with blue-grey stems with five or occasionally six ribs. It grows up to 14.8 feet (4.5 m) tall. Stems are up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter with ribs approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in depth and areoles about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. They have 5 to 8 ribs and areoles about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Each areole generally has 3 to 5 up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long spines. Flowers are greenish-white and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The edible fruits are dark red, oblong, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
In summer, place Myrtillocactus in direct sunlight. In winter, find a cooler, light spot. That will allow it to go well-rested into next spring, which will make it more likely to flower.
This easy-care plant doesn't want a lot of water. Allow the soil to dry out before you give it another drink. Keep the soil completely dry in winter. Need a well-drained soil mix with small gravel added to ensure drainage.
Myrtillocactus are semi-hardy. Ensure that your cactus is not exposed to temperatures below 25 °F (-4 °C), or they may die. Nevertheless, it is good advice never to let the nighttime temperatures fall below 50 °F (10 °C).
Feed your Myrtillocactus once a month in spring and summer using special cactus food.
Since they are big-sized plants, they need plenty of space for their roots. Repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus.
Origin
This species is native to central and northern Mexico.
Forms and Cultivars
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Cristatus'
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Cristatus Variegatus'
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku'
Links
- Back to genus Myrtillocactus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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