Myrtillocalycium 'Polyp' | World of Succulents

Scientific Name

+ Myrtillocalycium ‘Polyp’

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Genus: + Myrtillocalycium

Description

+ Myrtillocalycium ‘Polyp’ is a graft chimera (bigeneric cactus chimera) between Myrtillocactus cochal and Gymnocalycium ‘Red Hibotan’. It is a colorful, red and green, columnar cactus. This very rare and unusual cactus is quite unstable and have a tendency to revert to common red Gymnocalycium shoots.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Photo via llifle.com

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