Are you on the lookout for a plant that is a fun conversation starter and is also a low-maintenance plant to elevate your indoor or outdoor space? Look no further than Myrtillocactus geometrizans. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word "myrtillus," meaning whortleberry, and "geometrizans," referring to its geometrically patterned ribs.
Native to Mexico, it has several common names, blue flame cactus, blue myrtle cactus, blue candle cactus, boob cactus, bilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus, and of course, boobie cactus as its shape looks like a women’s breast.
The Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku' (titty cactus or breast cactus) Boobie cactus is considered rare due to its unique appearance and limited distribution in certain regions. Its distinctive shape and vibrant colors make it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Boobie cactus is a tall, columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall with its bluish-green thick stems that are covered in small, white central spines. The growth rate of this attractive succulent is fast. With the right nurturing and care, it can grow fairly tall in height and width. It also produces small, showy greenish-white flowers that bloom in the summer and are followed by small dark red, edible, and oblong fruits.
One of the most unique features of the Boobie cactus is its ability to grow aerial roots that grow above the ground and provide additional support to the Myrtillocactus geometrizans. This adaptation allows the cactus to grow tall and straight, even in windy conditions.
Additionally, the Boobie cactus can be used in traditional medicine after consulting with healthcare experts for proper dosage. The fruit of this myrtle cactus is said to have medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions. It is a small, round edible fruit that has a mildly sweet and tangy flavor.
Overall, the friendly boobie cactus is not only safe for humans and pets, but it is also a unique plant that is sure to add joy to any garden or collection.
Watering Needs
Desert plants, such as the Boobie cactus, are adapted to grow with minimal water. Cactus store water throughout their stems, and as a result, they are one of the ultimate drought-resistant plants. Cacti are like Camels; they drink up a lot of water quickly and then can last a long time before needing water again.
Usually, watering once every two or three weeks is ample during the summer months. In the winter, if it doesn't rain, you still should still only water them once a month at the most. If your Myrtillocactus geometrizans don't receive enough moisture for an extended period of time, discoloration, pale stems, and browning can occur, leading to stunted growth. In contrast, overwatering can cause root rot and fungal infection.
Light Requirements
The Boobie cactus is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. If you are growing it indoors, it is best to place the cactus in a south-facing window or in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
While the Boobie cactus can tolerate some light shade, it will not grow as well in low-light conditions. If you notice that your blue candle cactus is not growing as quickly as you would like, or if the leaves are turning yellow, it may be an indication that it is not receiving enough sunlight. Overall, the Boobie cactus is a hardy plant that is well-suited to bright, sunny environments.
Optimal Sil & Fertilizer Needs
The Boobie cactus likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.6 - 6.5, Cacti require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil. Ideally, you want to use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your Boobie cactus to thrive.
Natural fertilizers also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of NPK (5-10-5) for healthy growth of the Boobie cactus. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Myrtillo cactus some love with some awesome organic fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
Keep it at warm temperatures at all times. If you plant your blue myrtle cactus outdoors, you won't likely be able to grow it. It doesn't like humidity because it is adapted to a dry, hot climate.
The Boobie cactus is an outdoor tropical cactus that can be grown in USDA zones 9 and 11. In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops below 35 F. Although this semi-hardy cactus can withstand temperatures below 25 F for brief periods, prolonged frost can be dangerous.
We think you will love this cactus– order your very own Myrtillocactus geometrizans - Boobie cactus today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!
Bloom Season | Mid spring |
---|---|
Bloom Season | Mid spring, summer |
Botanical Name | Myrtillocactus geometrizans |
Common Name | Boobie cactus, Blue candle cactus, blue flame cactus, boob cactus, blue myrtle cactus, bilberry cactus |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Cactaceae |
Flower Color | Greenish, white |
Flower Color | Pale green |
Genus | Myrtillocactus |
Growth Habit | Columnar |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
Mature Size | 48 ft. |
Mature Size | Up to 20 ft. tall |
Native Area | Mexico |
Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
Propagation | By cuttings, seeds, divisions |
Resistance | 4° C |
Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant, heat tolerant, mild frost tolerant |
Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
Soil Type | specialized cactus potting mix |
Special Features | Showy flowers |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Features
Are you on the lookout for a plant that is a fun conversation starter and is also a low-maintenance plant to elevate your indoor or outdoor space? Look no further than Myrtillocactus geometrizans. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word "myrtillus," meaning whortleberry, and "geometrizans," referring to its geometrically patterned ribs.
Native to Mexico, it has several common names, blue flame cactus, blue myrtle cactus, blue candle cactus, boob cactus, bilberry cactus, whortleberry cactus, and of course, boobie cactus as its shape looks like a women’s breast.
The Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku' (titty cactus or breast cactus) Boobie cactus is considered rare due to its unique appearance and limited distribution in certain regions. Its distinctive shape and vibrant colors make it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Boobie cactus is a tall, columnar cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall with its bluish-green thick stems that are covered in small, white central spines. The growth rate of this attractive succulent is fast. With the right nurturing and care, it can grow fairly tall in height and width. It also produces small, showy greenish-white flowers that bloom in the summer and are followed by small dark red, edible, and oblong fruits.
One of the most unique features of the Boobie cactus is its ability to grow aerial roots that grow above the ground and provide additional support to the Myrtillocactus geometrizans. This adaptation allows the cactus to grow tall and straight, even in windy conditions.
Additionally, the Boobie cactus can be used in traditional medicine after consulting with healthcare experts for proper dosage. The fruit of this myrtle cactus is said to have medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin conditions. It is a small, round edible fruit that has a mildly sweet and tangy flavor.
Overall, the friendly boobie cactus is not only safe for humans and pets, but it is also a unique plant that is sure to add joy to any garden or collection.
Watering Needs
Desert plants, such as the Boobie cactus, are adapted to grow with minimal water. Cactus store water throughout their stems, and as a result, they are one of the ultimate drought-resistant plants. Cacti are like Camels; they drink up a lot of water quickly and then can last a long time before needing water again.
Usually, watering once every two or three weeks is ample during the summer months. In the winter, if it doesn't rain, you still should still only water them once a month at the most. If your Myrtillocactus geometrizans don't receive enough moisture for an extended period of time, discoloration, pale stems, and browning can occur, leading to stunted growth. In contrast, overwatering can cause root rot and fungal infection.
Light Requirements
The Boobie cactus is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. If you are growing it indoors, it is best to place the cactus in a south-facing window or in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
While the Boobie cactus can tolerate some light shade, it will not grow as well in low-light conditions. If you notice that your blue candle cactus is not growing as quickly as you would like, or if the leaves are turning yellow, it may be an indication that it is not receiving enough sunlight. Overall, the Boobie cactus is a hardy plant that is well-suited to bright, sunny environments.
Optimal Sil & Fertilizer Needs
The Boobie cactus likes very airy, porous, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 5.6 - 6.5, Cacti require fast-draining soil that dries completely between waterings. Your soil must have a sandy texture and a low water-holding capacity, just like desert soil. Ideally, you want to use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your Boobie cactus to thrive.
Natural fertilizers also last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. Use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of NPK (5-10-5) for healthy growth of the Boobie cactus. So, skip those harsh chemicals and give your Myrtillo cactus some love with some awesome organic fertilizer!
Hardiness Zones & More
Keep it at warm temperatures at all times. If you plant your blue myrtle cactus outdoors, you won't likely be able to grow it. It doesn't like humidity because it is adapted to a dry, hot climate.
The Boobie cactus is an outdoor tropical cactus that can be grown in USDA zones 9 and 11. In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops below 35 F. Although this semi-hardy cactus can withstand temperatures below 25 F for brief periods, prolonged frost can be dangerous.
We think you will love this cactus– order your very own Myrtillocactus geometrizans - Boobie cactus today and start enjoying its beauty in no time!
Bloom Season | Mid spring |
---|---|
Bloom Season | Mid spring, summer |
Botanical Name | Myrtillocactus geometrizans |
Common Name | Boobie cactus, Blue candle cactus, blue flame cactus, boob cactus, blue myrtle cactus, bilberry cactus |
Dormancy | Winter |
Family | Cactaceae |
Flower Color | Greenish, white |
Flower Color | Pale green |
Genus | Myrtillocactus |
Growth Habit | Columnar |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
Mature Size | 48 ft. |
Mature Size | Up to 20 ft. tall |
Native Area | Mexico |
Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
Propagation | By cuttings, seeds, divisions |
Resistance | 4° C |
Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, pest resistant, heat tolerant, mild frost tolerant |
Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
Soil Type | specialized cactus potting mix |
Special Features | Showy flowers |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
Watering Needs | Low |