Attention Gardeners, are you looking for a plant that will make your garden stand out? Look no further than the Candelabra cactus, also known as Isolatocereus dumortieri, but now it’s also a part of the Stenocereus genus.  

Both Euphorbia ingens (the real candelabra cactus) and Isolatocereus dumortieri are commonly referred to as candelabra cacti because of their candelabra-like branching shapes. Euphorbia ingens is a succulent and a member of the Euphorbia family, while Isolatocereus dumortieri is a member of the Cactaceae family and is more closely related to true cacti. 

This blue-green columnar plant is absolutely stunning! It can grow up to 30 feet tall, 10 feet wide and has green-white blooms at the top. Let's talk about its spectacular white, pale green blooms that open up at night and last until midday, which makes for an amazing display in any garden. And get this - it even has bright red fruits that are totally edible!  

This Isolatocereus plant is exceptionally easy to propagate by seeds and cuttings, so you can quickly grow your collection with just a few simple steps. 

So, if you want your Isolatocereus dumortieri to thrive and impress all who see it, give it some love and care - just don't forget to let its soil drain! 

Watering Needs 

It's important to avoid over-watering the Isolatocereus dumortieri as it can lead to waterlogging or soggy conditions that can easily damage the plant.  

To determine when it's time to water, check the soil in-between waterings and wait until the first inch of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.  In autumn and winter, you should decrease the watering frequency to once a month or less. While these plants can survive without watering during winter months when they are in semi-dormancy, immediate watering is necessary during active growth periods in spring and summer.  

Light Requirements 

The candelabra cactus can withstand full sun, but it prefers to grow in areas with some partial shade. Learn to adjust your potted candelabra cacti to avoid burns if the location where you have the plant is exposed to a lot of sunlight.  Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle the full sun.   

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or periods of extreme heat, your cactus could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect the plant in this situation by moving it indoors or to a shaded area. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs   

The Isolatocereus dumortieri prefers sandy, well-drained soil, as excess moisture can promote root and stem rot. Planet Desert specializes in cactus and has specialized cacti potting soil that includes organic mycorrhizae to help with the growth of a healthy root system to help your cactus thrive. As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil. 

Organic fertilizers with an equal amount of 5-10-5 (NPK) also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your candelabra cactus some love with some awesome organic fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

Isolatocereus dumortieri requires sunny, warm climates to thrive, but they can tolerate moderate cold temperatures as long as the soil is not wet and the temperature does not fall below 24 degrees F. Generally, these are hardy plants that can be grown in the garden in USDA zone 9–10 and are great a houseplant for beginners as they will be fine if you forget to water them for a while.  

Cacti tend to live for many years and grow slowly. Plant them in the spring after the weather warms up.  

Be sure to add Isolatocereus dumortieri' to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning-looking plant.