Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata (Dinosaur Back Plant)

Scientific Name

Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata

Common Names

Dinosaur Back Plant, Crested Blue Candle, Crested Blue Flame, Crested Blue Myrtle

Synonyms

Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristatus, Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristate

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Echinocereeae
Genus: Myrtillocactus

Description

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a large, shrubby cactus up to 16.5 feet (5 m) tall, with candelabra-like branching on mature plants. Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata is an interesting, waxy blue cactus that forms a tree-like trunk which has a tendency to fan out clustering over one another.

Photo via ricecanyondemonstrationgardens.org

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

In the summer place Myrtillocactus in the sunshine (indoors or outdoors). In the winter find a cooler, light spot. That will allow it to go into next spring well-rested, 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.

They are semi hardy, make sure that your Myrtillocactusare not exposed to temperatures below 25°F (-4°C) or they may die, nevertheless it is a good advice never let the nighttime’s temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).

Treat it to special cactus food once a month in the spring and summer.

Since they are big sized plants need plenty of space for their roots, repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot. If the plant needs repotting, use a fairly impoverished soil specially designed for cacti… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus