The spiral cereus (Cereus forbesii cv. Spiralis ), is a shrubby or treelike species. It is a (usually) trunkless cactus that forms numerous tall, ascending, columnar stems which branch at the base in a candelabra-like arrangement. Stems have a waxy bloom on the surface and reach a height of 2-4 metres (but can grow up to 5 m high or more and 10 to 12 cm in diameter. They have five to nine widely-spaced ribs. A few branches from the original plant were imported in Europe around 1980 for a very hight price.
It is a heavy bloomer and large purple fruits are easily produced when flowers are pollinated. It is self-sterile.
Cultivation and Propagation: They are of easy culture but cold intolerant. Make sure they are not exposed to freezing temperatures ( Hardy to -2°C) or they may die. They need a well drained soil mix. Water regularly in summer but allow to dry fully before watering again. During the winter months they should be rather kept dry. Since they are rapid growers, they need plenty of space for their roots. Repotting should be done every other year, or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Sun Exposure: Light shade when young, full sun later.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Resistance
Sun Exposure
| Bloom Season | June and august. |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cereus peruvianus spiralis |
| Common Name | Spiral cereus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Whiteish |
| Growth Habit | Candelabralike arrangement. |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 9a to 11b |
| Mature Size | 24 m |
| Native Area | Peru |
| Resistance | 2°c |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
The spiral cereus (Cereus forbesii cv. Spiralis ), is a shrubby or treelike species. It is a (usually) trunkless cactus that forms numerous tall, ascending, columnar stems which branch at the base in a candelabra-like arrangement. Stems have a waxy bloom on the surface and reach a height of 2-4 metres (but can grow up to 5 m high or more and 10 to 12 cm in diameter. They have five to nine widely-spaced ribs. A few branches from the original plant were imported in Europe around 1980 for a very hight price.
It is a heavy bloomer and large purple fruits are easily produced when flowers are pollinated. It is self-sterile.
Cultivation and Propagation: They are of easy culture but cold intolerant. Make sure they are not exposed to freezing temperatures ( Hardy to -2°C) or they may die. They need a well drained soil mix. Water regularly in summer but allow to dry fully before watering again. During the winter months they should be rather kept dry. Since they are rapid growers, they need plenty of space for their roots. Repotting should be done every other year, or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Sun Exposure: Light shade when young, full sun later.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Resistance
Sun Exposure
| Bloom Season | June and august. |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cereus peruvianus spiralis |
| Common Name | Spiral cereus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Whiteish |
| Growth Habit | Candelabralike arrangement. |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 9a to 11b |
| Mature Size | 24 m |
| Native Area | Peru |
| Resistance | 2°c |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
