Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Myrtillocactus geometrizans or Blue Myrtle cactus

The genus Myrtillocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 4 species of cactus native to Mexico and Guatemala. The species are: Myrtillocactus geometrizans, Myrtillocactus cochal, Myrtillocactus eichlamii, Myrtillocactus schenckii.

Common names: Blue Myrtle cactus, Blue candle, Our Father, Bilberry cactus, Whortleberry cactus. This species is native to Central Mexico.

They are branched cacti with a bushy bearing that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The trunk has 5-6 ribs, soft touch and a bluish color. They have small spines that are not very abundant. They produce small white flowers on the top of the cactus. They bloom in spring. Potted, they can take a few years to flower. The blue fruits are eaten in countries like Mexico.

They are used in pots for terraces, in groups, as isolated specimens, in rockeries and to form hedges. They are also used as rootstocks for other cacti.

The Myrtillocactus geometrizans needs a semi-shade exposure (young specimens) or full sun (adult plants). They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 1/3 of siliceous sand, leaf mulch, and garden substrate.

Water sparingly in spring and summer. Do not water in autumn and winter. They are extremely resistant to drought.

Fertilize once a month, during spring and summer, with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

They can be attacked by mealybugs. They are very sensitive to excess moisture.

They are propagated from seeds; cuttings need heat at the base and do not always root.

Images of the cactus Myrtillocactus geometrizans or Blue Myrtle cactus