Myrtillocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Myrtillocactus is a genus of large, bizarre, tree-like cacti, consisting of only 4 species. The stems are green or bluish-green, often branched, 7 - 10 cm in diameter; with age, the base of the stem becomes woody and turns brown. The ribs are not numerous - from 4 to 8 on the stem, but deep and vertical. Areolas are rarely located. The spines are short and sparse. Flowers appear abundantly in the upper part of the stem, with each areole containing several flowers, they are white or cream, up to 3.5 cm in diameter. After flowering, rounded small fruits are formed, up to 2 cm in diameter, blue in color. There is a cristate form of this cactus. The fruits are sweetish, edible and pleasant to the taste.

Height. In the natural environment it grows up to 5 m; in indoor culture they contain young plants or cristate forms. Grows relatively quickly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer they are kept at temperatures from 18 to 24° C. Wintering should be cool, but not lower than 10° C. It cannot tolerate negative temperatures. 

Lighting

Myrtillocactus should be provided with the maximum amount of sunlight in the morning and evening, as well as throughout the day in autumn and winter.

Care

Easy to grow even for novice cactus lovers, often used as a rootstock for more demanding varieties. You can take the pot outside during the warm season, placing it under cover from wind and rain.

Substrate

Grow the cactus in loose, porous soil with plenty of sand. The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

Feed only during the growing season - in spring and summer with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents every 2 weeks in half concentration.

Purpose

Myrtillocactus looks unusual and very attractive, especially its monstrous form.

Flowering time

Summer, blooms for the first time, reaching a height of 60 cm. 

Air humidity

Does not require spraying; the air should be especially dry in autumn and winter. Prefers frequently ventilated rooms with good air circulation, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water regularly in the summer, but do not water the next time until the soil has dried to at least half its depth. During the winter months, watering is stopped. If the stems of the cactus begin to wrinkle, it means that it lacks moisture and the earthen lump has dried out. 

Transfer

As they age, members of this genus become quite large and require spacious containers. Choose a deep container with large drainage holes and repot the cactus in the spring when new growth begins. Mature specimens need to be repotted approximately every 2 years.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in damp sand with the addition of a small amount of peat. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument in late spring and summer. The cutting site is thoroughly dried for several days. Rooting occurs successfully only at high air temperatures. 

Pests and diseases

Insufficient drainage may cause rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear. 

Note

Myrtillocactus can live for a long time indoors, but it should be given enough free space for growth and development.