Crested Blue Candle Cactus: A Unique and Uncommon Beauty

Oleh Delores Willms May 22, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're looking for a unique and uncommon plant to add to your collection, the Crested Blue Candle Cactus is an excellent choice. Also known as Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku', this cactus is native to Mexico and stands out for its unusual appearance and striking blue-green color.

In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Crested Blue Candle Cactus, from its origins and physical features to its care requirements and propagation methods.

1. Origin of the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus is native to Mexico and grows in areas with dry and arid climates. It belongs to the family Cactaceae and is a cultivar of the Myrtillocactus geometrizans species.

The plant was first discovered in Japan in the late 1970s by a cactus enthusiast named Fukurokuryuzinboku, who noticed a mutation on a Myrtillocactus geometrizans plant that caused it to grow in a crested form. He propagated this unique plant and named it after himself.

2. Physical Features of the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus has a distinctive appearance, with a cresting growth habit that creates a fan-like shape. The stems are cylindrical and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length. The color of the stems is a beautiful blue-green hue, which becomes more intense with exposure to sunlight.

The plant produces small, white flowers in the summer, which later turn into red or purple fruits. The fruits are edible but not particularly tasty.

3. Care Requirements for the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

Caring for the Crested Blue Candle Cactus is relatively easy, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some key care tips:

Light: The plant needs plenty of bright, direct sunlight to thrive. Place it in a south-facing window or under grow lights if you're growing it indoors.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix that contains sand and perlite to ensure good drainage.
Watering: Water your Crested Blue Candle Cactus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is difficult to treat.
Temperature and Humidity: The plant prefers warm temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and low humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Feed your Crested Blue Candle Cactus with a balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

4. Propagation Methods for the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

There are several ways to propagate the Crested Blue Candle Cactus, including:

Cuttings: Take stem cuttings from the mother plant and allow them to callus over for a few days. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining cactus soil mix and keep them slightly moist until they root.
Seeds: Collect seeds from the fruit of a mature plant and plant them in a well-draining cactus soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet until the seeds germinate.

5. Common Pests and Diseases of the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few issues to watch out for:

Mealybugs: These insects can infest the stems and cause damage. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale insects: These small, flat insects can be hard to spot but can cause significant damage. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Root rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot, which is a fungal disease that can be fatal. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and only water when the soil is dry.

6. Unique Characteristics of the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus stands out for its unusual appearance and striking blue-green color, but there are a few other unique characteristics to note:

Cresting habit: The plant's crested growth habit is caused by a mutation in the stem cells that leads to abnormal growth patterns.
Edible fruit: While not particularly tasty, the red or purple fruits of the Crested Blue Candle Cactus are edible and contain vitamin C.
Slow growth: The plant grows slowly, even under optimal conditions, so it's best to buy an established plant rather than trying to grow one from seed.

7. Decorating with the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus is a beautiful and unique addition to any plant collection, but it can also be used to decorate your home or office space. Here are a few ideas:

Terrarium: Plant a Crested Blue Candle Cactus in a glass terrarium with other succulents and cacti for a miniature desert landscape.
Hanging planter: Hang a Crested Blue Candle Cactus in a macrame hanger or other decorative planter to add visual interest to a room.
Table centerpiece: Use a Crested Blue Candle Cactus as part of a succulent or cactus centerpiece for your dining table or coffee table.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about the Crested Blue Candle Cactus

Q: Is the Crested Blue Candle Cactus easy to care for? A: Yes, the plant is relatively easy to care for as long as you provide it with plenty of bright, direct sunlight and good drainage.
Q: Can I grow the Crested Blue Candle Cactus indoors? A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough light and is planted in a well-draining cactus soil mix.
Q: How often should I water my Crested Blue Candle Cactus? A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is difficult to treat.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Crested Blue Candle Cactus? A: Use a balanced cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: How tall does the Crested Blue Candle Cactus grow? A: The plant can grow up to 12 inches in length, but its growth rate is slow.
Q: Is the Crested Blue Candle Cactus poisonous to pets? A: No, the plant is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can I propagate the Crested Blue Candle Cactus from seed? A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from seed, but it's a slow process. Stem cuttings are a faster and easier way to propagate.
Q: Do I need to prune my Crested Blue Candle Cactus? A: No, the plant doesn't require pruning. However, you may want to remove any dead or damaged stems to promote new growth.
Q: What kind of pot should I use for my Crested Blue Candle Cactus? A: Use a pot with drainage holes to ensure good drainage. A clay or terracotta pot is ideal.
Q: How long does the Crested Blue Candle Cactus live? A: The plant can live for several decades with proper care.

The Crested Blue Candle Cactus is a unique and beautiful plant that is sure to make a statement in any collection. With its unusual appearance, striking color, and easy care requirements, it's a great choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Remember to provide plenty of bright, direct sunlight, good drainage, and sparing watering to keep your Crested Blue Candle Cactus healthy and happy.