Popular for its bushy growing habit, Cereus hexagonus is a tree-like cactus that starts branching right from the base. Its narrow and erect body has made this prickly greenie a popular choice among many amateur and professional gardeners.
Popular for its bushy growing habit, Cereus hexagonus is a tree-like cactus that starts branching right from the base. Its narrow and erect body has made this prickly greenie a popular choice among many amateur and professional gardeners.
Commonly known as Blue Cereus, Lady of the Night Cactus, and Queen-of-the-night, Cereus hexagonus is a prickly member of the Cactaceae family. Growing in the wild, this cactus species can be found in Ecuador and Venezuela. Cultivated in home gardens, this plant can be grown in 9-11 USDA hardiness zones. The potted Lady of the Night Cactus can be cultivated in most parts of the world, provided it receives favorable conditions. Blue Cereus is a tree-like cactus that can reach a height of 49 feet (15 m). The plant has 4-7 thin ribs that reach 1-2 in (3-5 cm) in width. The Cactus is deep-green in color with the thorns starting as brown and becoming lighter with age. The thorns are around 2 in (5 cm) long. When summer comes, Lady of the Night Cactus produces spectacular white flowers that reach 8-10 in (20-25 cm) in height, followed by light-red, egg-shaped fruits.
Water Blue Cereus cactus when the soil has dried out completely. It’s important not to overwater succulent plants as they accumulate moisture in the flesh, not roots. Give your prickly greening a drink once a week in summer, and reduce hydration to 2-3 times a week during colder periods.
Just like most cacti, Queen-of-the-night enjoys full-sun exposure. Keep it near a southwest-facing window to make sure the plant receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Queen-of-the-night would benefit from a balanced cacti-specific water-subtle fertilizer diluted to the ¼ recommended dose. Feed your greenie once a week during the spring-summer growing season.
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