Myrtillocactus geometrizans cv. fukurokuryuzinboku
Synonyms:
Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma mostruosa
Myrtillocactus geometrizans v. monstrose
Breast Cactus
Titty cactus
Booby cactus
Habitat:
M. geometrizans is native to the central plateau of Mexico, but the cultivar fukurokuryuzinboku is a cultivar produced in the nursery, in Japan as you can see from the name.
Description:
M. geometrizans cv. fukurokuryuzinboku is very rare and much appreciated by collectors. It’s particular for the stem shape of the tubercles that resemble women breasts. The cactus is very similar to the most common M. geometrizans, also known as “blue candle”. The blue-grey stem is columnar and composed of swollen tubercles and hardly branches. Tubercles bear from 3 to 5 pointed spines, these are long at the base of the stem and short towards the apex. The blooming is in march and the flowers are very small, greenish-white; plant of this genus bear small purple edible fruit. The plant is a slow growing cactus and it does not bloom before getting 60 cm in height; diameter can reach 4 cm and the plant can grow up to 4 m in height.
Cultivation:
The cactus needs a well-drained soil, the best mix is composed of loam, sand and pumice. You can water regularly during the summer, but you should wait to dry out before watering again. During the winter you can stop the watering, but if you see the stem is withering you can give some water. M. geometrizans needs a light shadow in the young and a full light sun exposure later. Pay attention to the temperatures, because the cactus dies at temperatures below -4°C and suffers at temperatures below 10°C.You must repot the plant every 2 years, and every time you see the pot is too small for the roots; after repotting, the watering is recommended to make the plant adhere to the ground. The plant needs a minimum fertilization, one nitrogen fertilization per yearis sufficient.
Propagation:
Propagation can be realized through seed or cutting. Cutting should be done during the summer, the plant is able to root only in hot weather indeed and it is recommended to let the cut to dry out for 2-3 weeks before the planting.
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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