Photo by Tetragonus
Basic Info
This small plant is a columnar cactus that grows endless green branches. While the plant is growing the climbs up vertically merging together creating what seems like turrets. These turrets are named ‘fairy castle’. Each stalk has five sides; all of these five sides will grow white spines along the long ribs of the plant. The Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’ is the most commonly sold indoor cacti. It popularity stands from how easy it is to care for the plant, especially for beginners. Fairy Castle Cactus takes years to mature enough to bloom, but the wait is worth it. Once the cacti show its bloom, you can expect to see either white or yellow flowers.
Care and Propagation Information
The Fairy Castle Cactus ‘Acanthocereus tetragonus’ is a plant most suitable for beginner gardeners. Growing in a slow but steady paste and thrives indoors. Keep in mind that like most cacti, the Fairy Castle Cactus has many spines, that could hurt while handling.
Watering
Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’ have their own watering needs. The succulent plant grows best when in well-drained soil, in an unglazed clay pot. Using that type of container will let the moisture evaporate better and improves the growth of your plant. Always soak the plant properly then let it dry thoroughly before watering again. During the winter season, it is advisable to water the plant less; the plant absorbs the water in the air around it. Overwatering will damage the plant.
General Care for Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’
What kind of a plant carer should select the Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’? It is perfect for a beginner plant grower. The plant does best when cared for indoor in a proper light home. If planted outdoors, it creates small clusters all around it, especially if planted in a rock garden.
Quick Facts:
- Thrives best inside in a proper lit-room
- Should be grown indoor
- Needs a similar amount of water as other succulents
- Can die easily if overwatered
- Size: it grows to be 20 cm (or 8 inches) tall
- Best zone for the plant is -6° C (20° F)
- Does not handle cold well
- Best propagated with leaves
- Handle with care can be harmful to animals and people
- Grows best during Spring and Fall
Where to Plant
Fairy Castle Cactus is a plant that prefers to sit in the sun, far away from the air conditioning unit. If you keep the plant outside, keep an eye out for the local temperature. For people who keep their Acanthocereus tetragonus outside, bring it inside if temperatures reach around -1° C (30°F). A pro tip would be to keep the plant in a particular succulent container that can be easily transported in and out.
How to Propagate Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’
The easiest and most efficient way to propagate the Acanthocereus tetragonus is from the stem cuttings or seeds. Many people have found great success by using stem cuttings to propagate the plant. It all depends on how you handle the plant and partly on luck.
Origin and Habitat
Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’ is native to the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the USA. As well as, Central America, Caribbean, northern South America and Florida
Cuttings
To grow the Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’ using cuttings you need: A sterile, pair of scissors and a sharp knife. The first step, remove the stem carefully from the plant. Allow the stem to toughen for several days then place into a nutritious and easy draining soil. Lastly, water the plant daily, it is important that the plant always has more water than needed.
Seeds
Using seeds to propagate the plant means using the seeds from its fruit. The Fairy Castle Cactus seeds are slow growers, so this way is not recommended for beginners. Take the seeds, place into nutritious well-draining soil. Using this method will require you to keep an eye on your plant more than when using cuttings. If growing the seeds indoor, its recommended that you use grow light and seed mats it will aid the growth process.
Extra knowledge
Many people believe that the Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle Cactus’ is a dwarf version of Cereus H
