Fairy castle cactus, scientifically known as Cereus tetragonus, is a special type of cacti grown in North America. In case you are wondering why it is referred to as a castle cactus, it is because of the numerous vertical stems found at different heights that resemble spires. For gardeners and beauty enthusiasts, you might have thought of trying your luck with the fairy castle cactus.
This article will, therefore, explore fairy castle cactus care and everything you need to know regarding the growth of these amazing plants.
Picture via plantcollective
How Do You Care For Fairy Castle Cactus?
For proper fairy castle cactus care, you need first to understand that this amazing plant relies entirely on the sun. It, therefore, requires well-drained soils to counter the high levels of water evaporation associated with the sun. Fairy castle cactus care comes in many ways which are:
Planting Fairy Castle Cactus
In case you want to have the best time with these plants, the first factor that you need to consider is where to plant your fairy castle cactus. It would help if you planted the cactus in an unglazed clay pot. Make sure that this pot allows excess moisture to evaporate. Planting is also a part of the fairy castle cactus care. It would, however, be highly beneficial if you planted the cactus in a good cactus potting soil, which you can also make on your own easily. How then do you make a good cactus potting soil? To make cactus potting soil, mix one-part potting soil with a part each of sand and perlite. You will come up with a favorable gritty medium as a good planting ground.
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Where Do I Place The Little Cactus After Planting?
This is also an essential part of the fairy castle cactus care routine. It would be best if you placed your cactus where there is adequate sunlight. Make sure that the location is also bright enough. The location should also be devoid of a draft or any air conditioning. For growth, the fairy castle cactus requires adequate light, which is essential in photosynthesis. It also needs plenty of air; hence there should be no air conditioning.
How Do I Water The Fairy Castle Cactus?
For efficient fairy castle cactus care, watering is an essential requirement. Ensure, therefore, that when you water the plant, water penetrates the soil, and the comes out of the drainage holes. After watering, you need to give your plant some time for drying, after which you can irrigate.
Make sure that you do not overwater the fairy castle cactus since it is one of the easiest ways of ruining a cactus plant. You should, therefore, soak the fairy castle soil and leave it to dry completely before watering again. Also, have in mind that overwatering your fairy castle cactus makes it susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections.
How Do I Aid Drainage?
For efficient fairy castle cactus care, you need to observe good drainage. Ensure, therefore, that you plant the cactus in a large clay pot complete with a tray. Take note that too much water is harmful for your plant when executing your fairly castle cactus care.
When Is The Easiest Time For Fairy Castle Cactus Care?
Fairy castle cactus care is easiest in winter. Winter is generally cold and chilly, and therefore you do not have to water your cactus all the time. You will consequently cut watering by half, which gives you an easy time.During winter, you should bring the plant indoors. Cacti usually are a group of plants that are used to droughts and too much sunshine, and therefore leaving it out to the cold might destroy your plant forever. Also, make sure that you do not overwater your plant during winter.
What Should I Look Out For In My A Fairy Castle Cactus?
The truth is, the growth rate of this unique group of cactus is a little bit slow. Even though it is quick at the beginning, the overall growth rate is not as fast. For a proper fairy castle cactus care routine, you need to look out for anything odd. Make sure that you check on any symptoms that may signify a malady. For beginners, you may get worried when corking occurs. Corking generally looks like a sickness when it is not. It is a natural process of aging.
During corking, the base of the oldest stems of the fairy castle cactus turn brown and, at times, woody. You might, therefore, think that your plant is drying up when in the real sense, this process is necessary for stability. It would help if you also looked out for insects such as succulent mealybugs and root meal bags, which might destroy and infect your plant. Fungus gnats and spider mites are also deadly, although they are less common.
What Should I Do If My Cactus Outgrows Its Space?
Fairy castle cactus might overgrow the pot it is planted in. In such cases, it is wise to transplant the plant. For root development, this cactus usually require a larger space. As a fairy cactus care routine, you need to observe repotting once the plant outgrows its space.
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How Do I Propagate My Fairy Castle Cactus?
Propagation is a necessary fairy castle care routine in case you want to breed a specimen from the same naturally. The only way to propagate the growth of this unique type of cactus is by cutting. You have to cut a branch that measures up to the length of a hand. After cutting, replant the branch in damp and well-drained soil. Why should you use this type of soil? Moist well-drained soil helps harden and dry out the cut part, initiating root development.
Can I Use Other Types Of Fertilizers?
In case you want to feed your fairy castle cactus for faster and healthier growth, you can use a select type of fertilizer that is made to respond only to the needs of cacti plants. Do not, therefore, employ just any other fertilizer. You can employ this cactus fertilizer during spring, which is the season for growth resumption. You can either feed your plant this special fertilizer monthly or in diluted form through irrigation. You, however, need to remember to stop the feeding during winter.
