The Spiral Cactus is a unique plant that has an interesting growth pattern. When it’s still young, it has straight ridges, but as it grows taller, around 10 cm, its ridges begin to spiral. This cactus typically grows like a shrub, and in the wild, its multiple columns create a beautiful candelabra shape. One variety of this cactus, the Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’, lacks a trunk but instead grows a cluster of slender, blue-green stems that twist and turn in a spiral from a central point, creating a stunning candelabra effect.
The Spiral Cereus boasts stems that reach heights of 6 to 13 feet with a diameter of 4 to 5 inches. Its stems are coated in a gleaming waxy substance and have ribs spaced in clusters of 5 to 9. This type of cactus is striking and blossoms later than most others. Once it’s been pollinated, it produces large, purple fruits that are entirely edible. However, handling the plant requires caution because of its sharp spines. The Spiral Cereus is often referred to as Twisted Cereus, Contorted Cereus, and Cereus peruvianous tortuosus.
Prior to the 1900s, cacti and succulent gardens as well as significant collections were primarily possessed by the rich. These affluent individuals would sponsor botanists who would provide them with new species to incorporate into their gardens.
Replanting: It is recommended to replant your plant every two years or when it has grown too big for its current pot. Before replanting, ensure that the soil is completely dry and carefully take the plant out of the pot. Get rid of the old soil and trim any damaged roots. Then, transfer the plant to a new pot filled with new soil.
One can easily propagate the Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’ plant by taking cuttings during the spring season or by growing it from seeds. It’s recommended to cut a branch and replant it in well-draining soil after allowing the cut end to dry out and harden. This process helps in the easy development of roots.
You may need to transfer your Cereus to a bigger container if it grows too big for its current one. To do this, wait until the soil is dry and then take out the pot. Remove the old soil and cut off any roots that are dead or rotten. Repot it in a new container and add fresh soil. Be careful not to water it too much as this could cause root rot.
It’s a breeze to propagate these cacti by taking cuttings. All you need to do is snip off a branch and plant it in soil that’s moist and has proper drainage. But before potting it, it’s crucial to let the branch dry out for roughly a week. Once potted, be sure to give it a light watering.
In 1980, a few branches of the original plant were brought over to Europe at a steep cost. This specific clone was easily identifiable by its sturdy grey stems coated in dense pruina and short spines, hence it was named the “short-spined clone.” However, nowadays, nearly all of these plants are hybrids grown from seed resulting from cross-pollination, most likely with Cereus peruvianus or Cereus stenogonus. As a result, they have a darker blue-green hue and longer spines.
Rewritten:
I stumbled upon some amazing photos on Pinterest showcasing the incredible wonders of nature. The breathtaking scenery had me in awe as I scrolled through the images. It’s remarkable how the earth can produce such stunning landscapes for us to admire.
