The fairy castle cactus is also known by its scientific name Acanthocereus tetragonus. This fairy castle cactus is a slow grower that can reach up to six feet tall. Other common names include night-blooming cereus, triangle cactus and barbed-wire cactus. This columnar cactus plant is native to Central America, Mexico, northern South America the Caribbean and the southern United States. While the fairy castle cactus rarely blooms, it will sometimes produce large white or yellow flowers.
How to Grow and Care for a Fairy Castle Cactus
Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’) is a charming and unique cactus species known for its whimsical, castle-like appearance. Growing and caring for this cactus is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced succulent enthusiasts. Here are some essential tips on how to grow and care for your Fairy Castle Cactus:
1. Light: Fairy Castle Cacti thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a south or east-facing window where they can receive plenty of filtered sunlight. In warmer months, they can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sunlight, but avoid intense afternoon sun, as it can scorch the plant.
2. Temperature: These cacti prefer warm temperatures. They do well in a range of 70-100°F (21-37°C) during the growing season and can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) during their winter dormant period.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix for your Fairy Castle Cactus. You can also make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
4. Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Fairy Castle Cacti are drought-tolerant and prefer to be under-watered rather than over-watered. In the growing season (spring and summer), water once every 2-4 weeks. Reduce watering frequency in the dormant season (fall and winter) to once every 4-6 weeks or as needed.
5. Humidity: These cacti can tolerate low humidity levels, but they do appreciate slightly higher humidity during their active growing season. You can occasionally mist the plant or place a tray of water with pebbles near the cactus to increase humidity around it.
6. Fertilization: Feed your Fairy Castle Cactus with a diluted, balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) about once a month. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.
7. Potting: Repot your cactus every 2-3 years or when you notice it has outgrown its current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh cactus mix. Repot in the spring when the cactus is actively growing.
8. Pruning: Prune your Fairy Castle Cactus to maintain its castle-like shape and remove any damaged or dead stems. Use gloves and be cautious of the sharp spines.
9. Pests and Diseases: Fairy Castle Cacti are generally hardy and not prone to pests or diseases. However, keep an eye out for common succulent pests like mealybugs and scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How to Propagate a Fairy Castle Cactus
Propagating a Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’) can be done through stem cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate this charming cactus:
Materials Needed:
- Healthy Fairy Castle Cactus plant
- Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
- A clean, dry, and well-ventilated area
- A small pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix
- A plastic bag or plastic wrap (optional)
Propagation Steps
Choose the Right Time: The best time to propagate your Fairy Castle Cactus is during the active growing season, which typically occurs in spring or early summer. Avoid propagating during the dormant winter months.
Select a Stem Cutting: Look for a healthy stem on your Fairy Castle Cactus that you want to propagate. Ensure it’s free from any signs of damage, disease, or pests.
Prepare the Cutting: Using clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a section of the stem. Aim for a cutting that is at least a few inches long, as this will give it a better chance of developing roots. Allow the cut end to air dry for a day or two to form a callus; this helps prevent rot when planting.
Potting Mix: Fill a small pot with a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Plant the Cutting: Create a small hole in the potting mix using your finger or a stick. Insert the dried end of the stem cutting into the hole, burying it about an inch deep. Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.
Watering: Water the cutting sparingly after planting, just enough to moisten the soil. Do not saturate the soil; you want it to be lightly moist, not wet.
Create a Mini Greenhouse (Optional): To increase humidity around the cutting and encourage root development, you can cover the pot with a plastic bag or plastic wrap. This creates a mini greenhouse effect. Keep the bag slightly open or poke a few small holes in it to allow some air circulation.
Place in Indirect Light: Put the potted cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can stress the cutting.
Monitor and Patience: Check the cutting regularly for signs of root development. This can take several weeks to a few months. Once you see roots forming and the cutting has established itself (usually indicated by new growth), you can remove the plastic covering if you used one.
Transplant: When the cutting has developed a healthy root system and grown larger, you can transplant it into a slightly larger pot if needed, using the same cactus potting mix. Continue to care for it as you would for a mature Fairy Castle Cactus.
Types of Fairy Castle Cactus
The Fairy Castle Cactus, scientifically known as Cereus tetragonus or Acanthocereus tetragonus, is a species of cactus that is popular among indoor and outdoor gardeners. This cactus is known for its unusual and unique growth pattern that resembles the turrets of a fairy tale castle, hence its common name.
While there are not distinct types of Fairy Castle Cactuses, there can be variations in their appearance based on their growing conditions. For instance, some may develop more branches or ‘turrets’, while others might grow taller before branching out. The color can also range from a deep green to a lighter, almost yellow-green depending on the amount of sunlight they receive.
It’s also worth noting that while the Fairy Castle Cactus is often mistaken for the Echinocereus reichenbachii or Echinocereus viridiflorus, these are actually different species of cacti with their own unique characteristics. The Echinocereus genus is known for its attractive spiny stems and colorful flowers, which distinguishes them from the Fairy Castle Cactus.
Propagation of cacti can be a slow process, so be patient as your new Fairy Castle Cactus develops and grows into a beautiful, castle-like plant.
