Synonyms:

Cereus aquicaulensis
Cereus garambello
Cereus geometrizans.
Cereus gladiator
Cereus pugionifer
Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristatus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans var. grandiareolatus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. hintonii
Myrtillocactus geometrizans var. pugionifera
Myrtillocactus grandiareolatus
Myrtillocactus hertrichii
Myrtillocactus pugionifer

Habitat:

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is native to Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest where the plant grows in tropical and deciduous forests and can spread up to 2000 m of altitude. This cactus thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, often found in rocky or sandy soils.

Description:

This is a columnar cactus belonging to the Cactaceae botanical family. Similar to the standard Myrtillocactus geometrizans, the ‘Glorp’ cultivar can grow in a tree-like structure. However, its growth habit can be more varied and less predictable. The stems of the ‘Glorp’ cultivar are typically bluish-green, like the standard species, but may exhibit more pronounced color variations or patterns. One of the most striking features of this cultivar is its potential for unusual growth forms. This can include cristate (crest-like) or monstrose (abnormal) growth, leading to unique and sometimes bizarre shapes. The flowering period typically occurs in the spring, usually around March to May but flowering may not occur annually in all growing environments, particularly in cooler or less ideal climates. The plant produces small, cream or white-colored flowers. These blossoms are typically 2-2.5 cm in diameter and are borne near the top of the stem segments. The fruits are small, spherical, and resemble blueberries in appearance and taste, hence the name “Bilberry Cactus.” They are edible and are often used in local cuisines. Its unique and sometimes bizarre growth forms make it a highly prized plant for collectors and enthusiasts of unusual cacti and succulents

Cultivation:

The plant has a slow growth rate but it easy to cultivate. The best sun-exposure is in bright place but is recommended to avoid direct sun-light in the hottest periods. The minimum temperatures that the plant can withstand are 10° C, below this temperature it begins to suffer so it needs to be placed indoors in the coldest periods. The perfect soil is a well-drained soil that let the water to drain away and avoid root rot. To achieve this feature, you can mix the pumice soil, clay and soil. Remember to use a perforated pot to drain excess water. Watering can be done regularly in Spring and Summer: during the vegetative period you can water the plant (every 7 days), checking that the soil is completely dry before watering again; in winter you should stop the watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy. If you want a faster and lush growth you can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with the specific fertilizers for succulents; stop fertilizing throughout the winter. If the pot starts to be too small for the plant you can repot the plant in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season with fresh new potting soil. Be careful to red spiders and mealy bugs.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by cutting or by seed. By cutting you can make the cut during the spring and then let the cutting dry; after a few days the cut surface will dry and a callus will form, then place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended temperatures around 20 °C. By seed it is very simple to propagate the plant, it is enough to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it with a high level of humidity and at temperature of 14 C°.

Curiosity:

Myrtillocactus means “blueberry cactus”, its name is due to the fruit of this cactus that is a tiny sweet edible fruit which looks like blueberries.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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