How to care for Fairy Castle Cactus, Acanthocereus Tetragonus [a-kaen-tha-sear-as, tet-ra-gau-nus] may be a popular species of cactus. Formerly referred to as Cereus tetragonus, the cactus is native to Florida and therefore the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas within us.
The cactus plant also originates in popular regions of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
The spiky plant shares resemblance with the turrets of a castle thanks to its curvy, columnar shape.
This is the rationale why it’s popularly referred to as a fairy castle cactus.
Some experts categorize this famous cactus as a cultivated sort of Cereus hildmannianus.
Fairy castle cactus is either within the subspecies Uruguayans or monstrose.
This plant has many other common names apart from the fairy castle cactus and its botanical name, some of the commons are as follows
- Barbed wire Cactus
- Triangle Cactus
- Night-blooming Cereus
- Sword Pear
Recommended to read: how to propagate Fairy Castle Cactus before you continue
General Care For Fairy Castle Cactus
Acanthocereus tetragonus “Fairy Castle Cactus” may be a wonderful succulent for beginners. It grows slowly and does well indoors. The name Acanthto comes from the Greek word akantha meaning “thorn.” this is often good to recollect when handling this cactus because it has many spines.
Fairy castle cactus may be a full rose moss that needs well-drained soil. Plant the cactus in an unglazed clay pot that permits excess moisture to evaporate. The fairy castle cactus plant will grow best during a good cactus potting soil otherwise you can make your own.
Mix one part potting soil with one part each of sand and perlite. this may make an honest gritty medium for the cactus. AD Place the small cactus during a bright sunny location that’s far away from drafts or air-con. once your water, water until the liquid comes out of the drainage holes then allow the soil to completely dry out before irrigating.
Fairy castle cactus care is easiest in winter once you can cut in half the quantity of water the plant receives. Fertilize with an honest cactus fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. Feed monthly or with irrigation during a dilution that’s half strength. Suspend the feeding in winter.
Where to Plant
Fairy Castle Cactus can not resist cold, meaning if you are around country or zone that gets cold as higher as 30° F (-1.1° C), it’s best to plant this succulent during a container which will be brought indoors. Fairy Castle Cactus grows well in partial sun
Soil and Transplanting
Acanthocereus Tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’ flourishes during a well-drained soil or cactus potting soil.
To make a DIY potting soil, combine houseplant potting soil, sand and perlite together. This leads to a grainy medium for the cactus.
Ideally, fairy castle should be transplanted when it outgrows the space it’s in.
The plant needs tons of space for root development. Hence, repotting should be done every other year or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Grooming and Maintenance
This low-maintenance plant is super easy to seem after and why it’s a top pick for amateurs or beginners.
Always plant the cactus during a clay pot.
An unglazed clay pot may be a great option because it evaporates the unnecessary excess moisture. it’s an excellent option for those trying to find a columnar cactus.
Place the plant where enough sunlight is present.
During winters, bring the plant indoors (it makes a superb windowsill plant) because the exposure to cold temperatures may damage the plant permanently.
Pairs Well With
Faucaria tigrina “Tiger’s Jaw”
Acanthocereus Tetragonus Pests and Diseases
The green finger plant isn’t vulnerable to any serious diseases or pest problems.
However, overwatering causes bacterial or fungal diseases.
Some of the pesky insects to observe out for are succulent mealybugs and root mealy bugs.
Less common pests are fungus gnats and spider mites.
Learn more about spider mites on succulents and more.
Fairy Castle Cactus Classification Some expert classify the cactus as a sort of pitahaya cactus. it’s also been given the species name hildmannianus within the Cereus. The subspecies is the real puzzler. Fairy castle cactus is either within the subspecies Uruguayans or monstrose. Whichever scientific name is correct, the plant may be a delightful little cactus for your home.
Fairy Castle Cactus Suggested Uses
Having succulents and cacti like fairytale castle help keep the air fresh in homes.
Plus, they assist in elevate indoor beauty with their unique, exotic appearance.
This makes them the simplest indoor cacti but also an excellent addition to fairy gardens.
There are many differing opinions on how “Fairy Castle Cactus” should be named and classified. it’s thought to be a dwarf version of Cereus hildmannianus Uruguayans or a monstrous sort of pitahaya cactus.