Attention Gardeners, are you looking for a plant that will make your garden stand out? Look no further than the unicorn cactus, also known as Eulychnia castanea 'spiralis.' The name Eulychnia is derived from two ancient Greek words: "eu," which means "good," and "lychnos," which means "lamp." Native to Chile, this unicorn cactus plant has several other common names as Varispiralis and unicorn horn cactus.
Eulychnia castanea is a columnar cactus that can grow to be up to 16 feet tall and 8 inches in diameter. It has a distinctive spiral growth pattern (clockwise or counterclockwise) and produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. This unicorn cactus has yellow spines with dark brown tips, that protect it from predators. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in USDA 10-11.
To care for the unicorn cactus, it is important to use specialized cactus potting soil and provide it with plenty of full sunlight to partial shade for at least 5-6 hours daily. Watering should be done sparingly, especially during the winter months when it is dormant. Remember, overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the cactus. Fertilizer can be applied once during the growing season to promote healthy growth, but it is not necessary for the plant's survival.
Propagation of the unicorn cactus can be done easily by taking stem cuttings or by growing it from seed. This unicorn cactus has no toxic effects on either humans or animals. Pets and children are safe to be around this cactus, so don't be concerned.
This Eulychnia cactus is unlike anything you've seen before with its spiral stem. Imagine having this unique and eye-catching plant in your collection. Your garden will be the envy of all who see it!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Eulychnia castanea 'spiralis' |
| Common Name | Unicorn cactus, unicorn horn cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Eulychnia |
| Growth Habit | Spiral |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 16 ft. tall, 8 in. wide |
| Native Area | Chile |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings, seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Attention Gardeners, are you looking for a plant that will make your garden stand out? Look no further than the unicorn cactus, also known as Eulychnia castanea 'spiralis.' The name Eulychnia is derived from two ancient Greek words: "eu," which means "good," and "lychnos," which means "lamp." Native to Chile, this unicorn cactus plant has several other common names as Varispiralis and unicorn horn cactus.
Eulychnia castanea is a columnar cactus that can grow to be up to 16 feet tall and 8 inches in diameter. It has a distinctive spiral growth pattern (clockwise or counterclockwise) and produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. This unicorn cactus has yellow spines with dark brown tips, that protect it from predators. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens in USDA 10-11.
To care for the unicorn cactus, it is important to use specialized cactus potting soil and provide it with plenty of full sunlight to partial shade for at least 5-6 hours daily. Watering should be done sparingly, especially during the winter months when it is dormant. Remember, overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the cactus. Fertilizer can be applied once during the growing season to promote healthy growth, but it is not necessary for the plant's survival.
Propagation of the unicorn cactus can be done easily by taking stem cuttings or by growing it from seed. This unicorn cactus has no toxic effects on either humans or animals. Pets and children are safe to be around this cactus, so don't be concerned.
This Eulychnia cactus is unlike anything you've seen before with its spiral stem. Imagine having this unique and eye-catching plant in your collection. Your garden will be the envy of all who see it!
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Sun Exposure
Toxicity
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Eulychnia castanea 'spiralis' |
| Common Name | Unicorn cactus, unicorn horn cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Eulychnia |
| Growth Habit | Spiral |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 16 ft. tall, 8 in. wide |
| Native Area | Chile |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By stem cuttings, seeds |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, heat resistant, pest resistant, deer resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Unique foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats |
| Watering Needs | Low |