+Myrtillocalycium 'Polyp'

Scientific Name

+Myrtillocalycium 'Polyp'

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Graft-chimeral Genus: +Myrtillocalycium

Description

+Myrtillocalycium 'Polyp' is a spectacular example of a graft chimera. It is a rare, colorful cactus with unusual stems in shades of green, yellow, pink, and red. This plant is quite unstable and tends to revert, producing red Gymnocalycium shoots. Each specimen is unique.

Origin

+Myrtillocalycium 'Polyp' is a graft chimera between Myrtillocactus cochal and Gymnocalycium 'Red Hibotan'.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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, making 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. They need a well-drained soil mix with small gravel added to ensure drainage.

They are semi-hardy. Make sure that your Myrtillocactus are not exposed to temperatures below 25°F (-4°C) or may die. Nevertheless, it is good never to let nighttime temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).

Treat it to special cactus food monthly in the spring and summer.

Since they are big-sized plants that 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 fairly impoverished soil specially designed for cacti.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Myrtillocactus.

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