Product Description:
The fairy castle cactus––also known by its scientific name Acanthocereus tetragonus––is a slow grower that can reach up to six feet tall. This miniature columnar cactus grows hundreds of green branches. As it grows, the branches clump together vertically, forming the turrets of a “fairy castle.” Each stem has five sides with short white spines growing along the ribs. It grows well indoors and is perfect for beginners.
Light:
Fairy castle cacti kept as house plants should be grown in a space that receives lots of sunlight. If these plants do not receive enough light, the colors will fade and their columns will become misshapen. This is a full-sun plant, but it will survive in partial shade.
Water:
To avoid overwatering your fairy castle cactus, allow the cactus potting soil to become dry between waterings.
Soil:
As with many other cacti species, the fairy castle cactus requires well-draining soil. Using soil with large percentages of gravel, bark, sand, or perlite will help ensure that soil does not become soggy.
Temperature:
As long as it receives sufficient water, the fairy castle cactus thrives in hot weather. However, it is highly sensitive to frost and should be brought indoors if the temperature outdoors reaches below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully consider the indoor placement of your cactus as well, as cold drafts or air conditioning can be damaging.
Fertilizer:
In warmer months, plant food can be added to the soil or water to encourage growth, but it should not be used when the cactus is dormant in the winter. In the spring, fertilize with cactus fertilizer as growth resumes.
Repotting:
The fairy castle cactus goes through growth spurts, but typically it grows slowly, especially as a mature plant. As the roots grow (and crowd), you will need to report the succulent. Remember, it can grow up to 6 feet tall, so you will need to increase the pot size.
How to Propagate a Fairy Castle Cactus
Fairy castle cactus propagation is relatively easy. To grow new plants from a fairy castle cactus cutting, follow these steps:
- Sever a branch. Using a sterile knife or scissors, cut off a branch at the base. Sterilization of your cutting tool will prevent your cactus from developing an infection.
- Dry out the cutting. Before replanting, allow the severed end of the branch to dry out and harden to encourage the new cactus to form roots.
- Plant the cutting in an unglazed pot with drainage. Overwatering will damage fairy castle cacti, so be sure to plant your cactus in an unglazed clay pot with drainage holes so that excess moisture is able to evaporate.
