Myrtillocactus geometrizans aka Bilberry Cactus

Taxonomy

Myrtillocactus geometrizans, also known as bilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus, or blue candle, is a species of cactus native to central and northern Mexico. This shrubby or tree-like branching cactus can reach heights of up to 4 meters in its natural habitat. It has bluish-green, ribbed stems with 5-9 spines arising from each areole. Older plants produce funnel-shaped, white or cream flowers in early summer. Commonly referred to as Blue Myrtle-Cactus, this cactus is a highly branched, columnar tree with a candelabra-like appearance. Its stems are blue-grey and can grow up to 4 inches thick, with 5 to 8 ribs and areoles spaced about 1 inch apart. Each areole typically has 3 to 5 spines up to 0.5 inch long. The greenish white flowers are approximately 1.4 inches in diameter, and the edible fruits are dark red and oblong, measuring up to 0.8 inches in diameter. In its natural environment, Myrtillocactus geometrizans can grow as tall as 14.8 feet (4.5 meters) and requires ample space to thrive.

Common names

Bilberry Cactus, Blue Myrtle Cactus, Blue Flame

How to care for Bilberry Cactus

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Bilberry Cactus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

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

Soil

The Bilberry Cactus is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Bilberry 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 Bilberry Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Bilberry Cactus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Bilberry Cactus prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Bilberry Cactus is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Bilberry Cactus’s native range is Central America.


More info:
Wikipedia