Myrtillocactus - Blue Candle, Blue Flame, Dinosaur Back Plant
(Myrtillocac'tus)
DESCRIPTION:This group only consists of about three, tree-like cacti from Mexico. Young plants are excellent grown in containers in a window garden or greenhouse; older plants make spectacular landscape specimens. In their native habitats, these cacti can grow up to 20 feet high with a trunk-like stem. However, plants grown from cuttings don't form a trunk, rather they branch at their base. In the summer, two or three, white flowers are produced per areole. These are followed by small, edible berries. M. geometrizans (Blue Candle; Blue Flame) is a handsome specimen that forms a tree-like trunk with upward-curving branches. The branches are bluish-green with a bloom covering their youngest parts. From the wide-set areoles grow five, reddish-brown, radial spines and one, black, central spine. The white flowers have greenish perianth segments and grow up to 11/4 inches across. They are followed by 3/4-inch, bright blue berries. These berries, known as garambullos, can be eaten dried or fresh. M. geometrizans var. cristata (Dinosaur Back Plant) is an interesting variety. The crest of the species (geometrizans) is easily grown on its own roots. The ribs have a wavy appearance. Any normal shoots should be removed to promote the growth of the crest.
POTTING: These cacti need a minimum temperature of 37ยบ F. Grow them in rich, porous, sandy soil and let their soil dry out between waterings. Repot in the spring when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. Firm the potting soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. These cacti will tolerate full sun and some light frost.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in containers filled with a general-purpose cactus and succulent potting mix. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface of the compost. Cover the seeds lightly with some grit, moisten the container and place in an area with high humidity and warmth. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Waiting too long until they are overcrowded can cause rot. Gently separate them so as not to damage the delicate roots. Transplanting will be easier if the soil is slightly moist. Seedlings can be potted singly or with several to a pot. They seem to do better if a few are together rather than be themselves. Cutting should be taken in mid-summer, when the nights are warm, or they will not root. Choose a healthy shoot and cut with a sharp, sterile knife just above a bud or shoot. Leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a couple of days or weeks in order to allow a callus to form over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and thus rotting and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings should root in 2 to 6 weeks.
VARIETIES: M. geometrizans & var. cristata.
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