Have you ever seen a cactus that looks like it’s made out of powder blue water droplets? Well, that’s the blue myrtle cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), and it’s native to Mexico.
This unusual-looking succulent brings a touch of whimsical charm to any indoor or outdoor space. Thanks to its easy care requirements, the blue myrtle cactus is a great plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your blue myrtle cactus, including tips on watering, lighting, and fertilizing. By the end, you’ll be an expert on this beautiful plant!
| Botanical Name | Myrtillocactus Geometrizans |
| Common Name |
Blue Myrtle Cactus, Blue Candle |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Greenish-white flowers that only last a day |
| Size When Mature | 156 to 192 inches tall |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Sun Requirements | Full to Partial sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 9 – 11 |
| Soil PH Range | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Soil Type | Porous, sandy soil |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Native Area | Mexico |
What You Need to Know About Blue Myrtle Cactus
A member of the cactus family, it is easily recognizable by its blue-green color and distinctive shape. This fast-growing plant is often found in arid regions, and thanks to its drought-tolerant nature, it’s perfect for those who don’t have a green thumb.
Relatively, it’s easy to care for – perfect for indoor office spaces, homes, and outdoor patios. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance plant with a bit of character. Its spiky stems are densely packed with blue-green leaves, and its flowers range in color from white to pink. It has a waxy feel and is often used as a decorative plant.
The plant itself has a columnar shape and are covered in small, sharp spines. The blue-green color of the plant’s skin is due to a waxy coating that protects it from the sun and helps it retain water.
While the blue myrtle cactus is not known for its flowers, it does produce small, yellow blooms in the springtime. These delicate flowers only last for a day or two, but they’re a welcome sight after the long winter months.
How to Care for Blue Myrtle Cactus
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving blue myrtle cactus:
Light
As a member of the cactus family, the blue myrtle cactus is used to living in sunny, arid conditions. In its natural habitat, it would receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
When growing your blue myrtle cactus indoors, it’s important to give it bright, filtered light. The best spot in your home would be near a south- or west-facing window. If you don’t have a spot that gets direct sunlight, you can supplement it with artificial grow lights.
It’s important to take note that young plants are more sensitive to sunlight than mature plants. When first potting your blue myrtle cactus, it’s best to place it in an area that gets indirect light. Gradually move it into a sunnier spot over the course of a week or two. This will help prevent sunburn on the leaves.
Water and Soil Needs
Watering this plant is only done at least once every two weeks, with 30% humidity. It’s best to allow the topsoil to dry out completely in between watering.
Tolerant to drought, the blue myrtle cactus doesn’t need much water to survive. In fact, too much water is more harmful than not enough. When watering your plant, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. You can find something that’s meant for succulents, as these typically drain well.
As for the soil’s pH levels, the blue myrtle cactus prefers it on the acidic side but can thrive from 5.5 to 7.5 soil pH range.
It’s also important to make sure your pot has drainage holes in the bottom. This will help prevent waterlogging. Waterlogging is one of the main causes of death for succulents, as the roots can’t get the oxygen they need to survive.
The blue myrtle cactus is a fast-growing plant, so it will need to be repotted every year or two. When repotting, make sure to use a pot that’s only one size larger than the current one. This will help prevent root rot.
Temperature Requirements
Because it’s a cactus plant, it thrives in hot, dry conditions. The blue myrtle cactus is happy in temperatures ranging from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically thrives in USDA zones 9-11.
When the temperature starts to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to bring your plant indoors. If you live in an area that gets cold winters, make sure to place your plant in a sunny spot near a window.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer to use on a blue myrtle cactus is a slow-release, organic fertilizer. This will help prevent burning the roots of your plant. You can also use a water-soluble fertilizer, but be sure to dilute it before applying it.
Because it’s a fast-growing plant, the blue myrtle cactus will need to be fertilized every two weeks during the spring and summer months. Once a month is sufficient during the fall and winter.
Common Diseases
The blue myrtle cactus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests are attracted to the plant because of its sweet sap.
To prevent infestation, it’s important to inspect your plant regularly. If you see any signs of pests, such as webbing or small white bugs, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Blue Myrtle Cactus Propagation
The propagation of blue myrtle cactus is a simple and straightforward process that can be carried out with great success. All that is required is a sharp knife, some sterile potting mix, and a little patience.
First, take a cutting from the main plant, making sure to include at least two nodes (the point where the leaves attach to the stem). Next, remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, and allow the cut end to callus over for a few days.
Once the cut end has started to heal, it is time to pot up the cutting. Fill a small pot with sterile potting mix, and make a hole in the center big enough to accommodate the cutting. Gently insert the cutting into the hole, and then water lightly.
The cutting should now be placed in a warm, sunny spot, and left to root. Within a few weeks, new roots will begin to form, and soon after that, new growth will appear. With a little care and attention, it will not be long before the blue myrtle cactus cutting has transformed into a healthy plant in its own right.