Fairy castle cactus - Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' (Care, Characteristics, Culture, Images)

Fairy castle cactus

Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.

Scientific classification

Species

Fairy castle cactus (Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle')

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Type

Green, Blue

Leaf Color

White, Yellow, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Culture

Garden Use

Fairy castle cactus is an attractive and easy-to-care-for succulent. Indoor gardeners will fair well with this low-maintenance and compact potted plant. Outdoors, this succulent will do well in dry succulent gardens, desert gardens as well as xeriscapes, and similar environments.

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Toxicity

Fairy castle cactus poses a mild toxicity risk to cats and dogs when ingested in large amounts. All parts of the plant are toxic, leading to symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Monitoring pets and seeking prompt veterinary care if poisoning is suspected is crucial.

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Care Guide for Fairy castle cactus

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Fairy castle cactus thrives in arid conditions, showcasing high drought tolerance. It requires minimal watering, ideally every three weeks, and adjusts well to low humidity. As an indoor container plant, fairy castle cactus flourishes in controlled environments, demonstrating resilience amid fluctuating humidity levels.

Fertilize: For fairy castle cactus, fertilization promotes growth and health. Use a succulent fertilizer bi-monthly in spring and summer, and every 2-3 months in fall and winter. Avoid over-fertilization; use half-strength solutions to prevent root burn. Adjust fertilization based on growth stages and seasonal changes.

Pruning: Fairy castle cactus requires minimal pruning. Remove withered flowers and branches to allow the plant to direct nutrients toward healthy growth.

Propagation: Indigenous to the New World, fairy castle cactus is a decorative succulent with a castle-like appearance. Effective propagation involves using healthy cuttings, allowing them to callous before planting in well-draining soil. Regular watering and appropriate lighting are essential for successful growth.

Repotting: Fairy castle cactus requires repotting every 2-3 years, ideally in early spring. Use a larger terracotta pot to promote root growth, ensuring it receives bright light and minimal water post-repotting to prevent rot and support healthy development.

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