Myrtillocactus geometrizans 10.5cm

Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart.) Console - Μυρτιλλόκακτος
Συνώνυμα: Cereus geometrizans, Cereus pugioniferus
Οικογένεια: Cactaceae

Διάμετρος γλάστρας:10.5εκ., Ύψος:15εκ.

It is also called as "Our Father", "Blue Flame", "Bilberry Cactus", "Whortleberry Cactus", "Blue Candle" and "Blue Myrtle cactus".

It is a columnar plant, covered with a white glaze, which can branch out and take the shape of a candlestick.

In nature it can reach up to 4 meters in height. Its blue-sky stem is made of 5-8 ribs and sparse spines.

It blooms from February to April, its flowers are white and small.

A curious fact: the fruits of Myrtillocactus are edible and resemble blueberries, from this characteristic, in fact, derives its name.

Care

It likes an exposure to full sun in rather airy locations.
It is preferable to keep it at mild temperatures and never below 10 °C, for this reason it is recommended to shelter it during the winter period.
Water moderately and only when the soil is completely dry. It is enough to water it once a week in spring and summer, and reduce watering to once every two months in autumn and winter.
The best soil is a well-draining one, even better if further enriched with inert materials such as pumice, sand or lapilli.
They do not need frequent fertilization, it is sufficient to dilute the fertilizer with watering once a year.