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Cereus spegazzinii cristata
Monvillea phatnosperma cristata
| The Arizona desert's vast stretches of towering Saguaros (Cereus giganteus) are the best-known of these branching shrub- and tree-sized Cacti. Other species flourish from the Caribbean to South America. Handsome, hardy and fast-growing, they make impressive accent plants and hedges. Spangles of long, sharp spines grow far apart on the smooth, green to blue skin. From June to September, medium sized flowers bloom, usually white and often fragrant. The fleshy, red or yellow fruits split open when ripe, exposing edible white or rosy pulp. Give them full sun and plenty of room to spread out. Water and feed generously when growing, when they are hard to overwater. Keep nearly dry in winter. They will put up with some winter rain in frost-free regions. A few species tolerate slight frost if kept dry. Cuttings root easily. Cereus monstrosus, with its intriguing lumpy forms, is susceptible to mealybugs and scale. |
Fast-growing bluish-green stems, up to 1 inch thick and 7 feet long, creep along the ground to form a shrub. Funnel-shaped red flowers with white centers bloom at night. Unlike most Cereus, needs partial shade and temperatures above 50° F.
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Attributes - Cereus spegazzinii cristata
Plant Type: Succulent
Bloom Season: Early Summer through Late Summer
Flower Color: White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 2 in. to 6 in.
Width: 1 ft. 2 in.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 9, 10, 11
Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates, Hot Climates. Container Plants, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers.
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Related Plants
Cereus hildmanianus, Cereus uruguayanus 'Monstrosus'
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