Cereus forbesii aka Spiral Cactus

Taxonomy

Cereus forbesii is a striking columnar cactus that can be found in various regions, from Bolivia to N. Central Argentina. It is a branched, shrubby cactus that grows up to 7 m (23 ft) tall, but is typically found at a height of 2 m (6 ft 7 in). The species thrives in arid hills, forests, plains, and on the edges of salt flats, at elevations ranging from 500–2,000 m (1,600–6,600 ft). One variety of Cereus forbesii, the Spiraled Cereus (also known as Contorted Cereus or Twisted Cereus), originates from Brazil, with seeds brought to Europe in the 1980s. This variety is particularly striking due to its spiraling shape, which resembles an Ancient Greek temple. It has white flowers and red fruits and can grow up to 16.5 feet (5 m) tall and 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter. The Spiral Cactus, as it is also known, is a relatively rare houseplant that requires very little water and prefers long-lasting, direct light, ideally being placed less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Spiral Cactus

How to care for Spiral Cactus

Difficulty

Spiral Cactus requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Spiral Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Spiral Cactus is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Spiral Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Spiral Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Spiral Cactus thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Spiral Cactus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spiral Cactus’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia