You can see myrtillocactus geometrizans and its many myrtillocactus varieties in collections because they have cool shapes and look different. Each myrtillocactus has its own special look, so your garden will look different from others. Rare types, like ‘Fukurokuryuzinboku’ or crested myrtillocactus, have special curves and textures. These kinds make any garden look bold and unique. Many gardeners like myrtillocactus because it stands out and grows in interesting ways.
Key Takeaways
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans stands tall with thick blue-green stems. It has many special types like crested, monstrose, and variegated. These types bring bold shapes and colors to your garden.
- Rare kinds like the Booby Cactus have special shapes and colors. They need extra care and patience. They grow slowly and need careful watering and light.
- Give your myrtillocactus lots of sunlight and soil that drains well. Only water when the soil is dry. This helps keep it healthy and bright.
- You can grow more myrtillocactus by using stem cuttings or grafting. Grafting is very helpful for rare or slow-growing types.
- Mix different myrtillocactus types in your garden. This makes a special display with many shapes, colors, and ways of growing. You can pick what fits your space and style.
About Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Species Overview
Myrtillocactus geometrizans is common in many cactus collections. This plant grows straight up and looks like a small tree. It comes from Mexico and lives in dry, desert places. At first, people called it Cereus geometrizans in 1837. In 1897, Michelangelo Console put it in the myrtillocactus group. He did this because it has special features for that group.
Did you know? The word “geometrizans” is about the shapes on its ribs.
Experts and groups like Kew say myrtillocactus geometrizans is its own species. There are different types, such as var. grandiareolatus and var. pugionifera. Even with these types, it stays easy to tell apart. The blue fruit is important in Mexico for food and culture. People call the fruit “garambullo” and eat it.
- Key things about myrtillocactus geometrizans:
- Grows upright and looks like a tree
- Has thick, blue-gray stems with 5-8 ribs
- Areoles have 5-9 black spines
- Flowers are greenish-white and turn dark red
- Fruits are dark red or blue, sweet, and long
Growth and Appearance
When you grow myrtillocactus, you see its strong shape right away. In nature, it can get up to 15 feet tall. In pots, it stays smaller. The stems are thick and blue-green. As it gets older, the stems branch out. Each stem has deep ribs that make it look geometric. Spines grow from small bumps called areoles. These spines are black and easy to see on the blue skin.
Flowers bloom in spring or early summer. They start greenish-white and then turn dark red. After the flowers, the plant makes sweet, blue or dark red fruits. Birds and people both like these fruits. The plant’s strong look and color make it popular in gardens. Myrtillocactus does well in dry places, which makes it even better for collections.
Tip: Put your myrtillocactus in a sunny place. This helps it keep its best color and shape.
Myrtillocactus Varieties
Myrtillocactus varieties come in many shapes and colors. Each one has something special about it. Some look like living art with bright colors and cool textures. These types stand out in any garden or inside your house.
Standard Myrtillocactus geometrizans
The standard myrtillocactus geometrizans is the most common type. It grows tall and straight, sometimes with lots of arms. This plant grows fast in the ground with sun and water. In pots, it grows slower because roots have less room. It looks like a small tree with thick blue-green stems and deep ribs. The colors look brighter when the sun shines on it.
- Key characteristics:
- Grows upright like a tree
- Blue-gray stems with 5-8 ribs
- Black spines on each areole
- Has many branches like a shrub
Note: Standard myrtillocactus likes hot, sunny places. It grows in special ways, so gardeners love its bold look.
You can use this plant as the main piece in your cactus garden. Its strong shape and bright colors make your garden interesting.
Crested Myrtillocactus geometrizans
Crested myrtillocactus has a fan shape that looks different. The stems twist and fold, making wavy shapes. This happens when the top splits and grows sideways. Every crested plant looks different, so each one is special.
- Unique characteristics:
- Fan-shaped, wavy stems
- Grows close together
- Grows slower than normal types
- Needs extra care to keep its shape
Crested myrtillocactus adds an artistic look to your collection. You can show them off as living art. Their shapes and colors make them favorites for collectors.
Monstrose Myrtillocactus
Monstrose myrtillocactus grows in odd, bumpy ways. The stems twist, make lumps, or grow in strange directions. The Japanese variety ‘Fukurokuryuzinboku’ has special rib shapes and grows slowly. Each monstrose plant has its own look, so no two are the same.
- Unique characteristics:
- Bumpy, uneven stems
- Weird shapes
- Grows slower, especially in pots
- Usually smaller than normal types
Tip: Monstrose myrtillocactus needs careful watering and lots of light. Their strange shapes make people want to talk about them.
You can use monstrose types to add texture to your display. Their bright colors and odd shapes stand out from other cacti.
Variegated Forms
Variegated myrtillocactus has patches of white, yellow, or cream with green or blue. These colors happen when some parts do not have chlorophyll. Variegated types grow slower and need more shade from strong sun. The colors change as the plant grows.
| Variegated Form | Colors | Growth Habit | Unique Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Blue, green | Upright, branched | White or yellow patches |
| Crested | Blue, white | Fan-shaped | Wavy, colored crests |
| Monstrose | Blue, cream | Bumpy, uneven | Mixed colors, odd shapes |
Variegated myrtillocactus brings bright colors and cool patterns to your garden. You can use them as special plants or mix them with others. Collectors really like these rare types.
Callout: Variegated and crested types need extra care. They grow slower and may need shade when it is very hot.
Myrtillocactus varieties give you lots of choices for a colorful garden. Each one has its own look, way of growing, and color. You can mix them to make a collection that shows all the beauty of myrtillocactus.
Myrtillocactus Cultivars
Myrtillocactus cultivars let you grow some of the world’s most special cacti. These types stand out because of their shapes, colors, and how they grow. Many collectors want these rare plants for their gardens. You can find old and new myrtillocactus cultivars. Each one has its own story and style.
‘Fukurokuryuzinboku’ (Booby Cactus)
Some people call myrtillocactus geometrizans fukurokuryuzinboku the Booby Cactus. Its name means “Lucky Dragon Tree” in Japanese. Most people use the nickname because of the plant’s funny rib shapes. The ribs make round bumps that look like rows of small breasts. These features make it one of the most famous myrtillocactus cultivars.
You cannot grow this plant from seed and keep its look. Growers use cuttings to make new plants. This keeps the Booby Cactus’s special shape. It also means there are not many for sale. That is why myrtillocactus geometrizans fukurokuryuzinboku is rare and wanted.
Collectors pay a lot for this plant. At a big succulent show, a seller brought eight Booby Cactus plants. They sold all of them for $80 to $100 each. This shows how much people want this cactus. Many young collectors see it on social media and want one too. The Booby Cactus always gets attention at cactus shows.
Tip: If you want myrtillocactus geometrizans fukurokuryuzinboku, buy healthy cuttings from trusted sellers. The plant grows slowly, so you need to be patient.
Other Named Cultivars
There are other myrtillocactus cultivars besides the Booby Cactus. Each one has something special for your collection.
- Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Cristata’
This cultivar grows in a fan shape. The stems twist and fold, looking like art. No two plants look the same. Many collectors like this myrtillocactus for its cool shape. - Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Variegata’
This cultivar has patches of white, yellow, or cream with blue-green. The colors change as it grows. Give it some shade because the light parts can burn in strong sun. This myrtillocactus grows slower, but the colors are worth it. - Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Monstrose’
This cultivar has bumpy, uneven stems that twist in odd ways. Its special look makes it a favorite for collectors who want something different. You can use it to add texture to your display.
Here is a table to help you compare some popular myrtillocactus cultivars:
| Cultivar Name | Unique Features of Cultivars | Growth Habit | Collector Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtillocactus geometrizans fukurokuryuzinboku | Rounded, pouch-like ribs | Upright, slow | Very high |
| Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Cristata’ | Fan-shaped, crested stems | Twisted, sculpted | High |
| Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Variegata’ | Variegated patches of color | Upright, slow | High |
| Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Monstrose’ | Bumpy, uneven, twisted stems | Irregular, slow | High |
Each myrtillocactus cultivar brings something cool to your garden. Some have bold shapes. Others have rare colors. Many are hard to find, so collectors look for them for years. When you pick a cultivar, you add living art to your collection.
Note: Myrtillocactus cultivars need more care than regular types. Give them bright light, but shade variegated ones from strong sun. Water them carefully to keep their shapes healthy.
If you want to start a collection, look for popular myrtillocactus cultivars like the Booby Cactus or crested types. These plants will make your garden special and let you grow something truly unique.
Rare Myrtillocactus Cultivars
Hybrids
You can find some of the rarest Myrtillocactus cultivars among hybrids. Growers create these cultivars by crossing Myrtillocactus geometrizans with other cacti. These hybrids often show new shapes and vibrant colors. You might see stems with extra ribs or even odd bumps. Some hybrids have flowers with brighter colors than the parent plants. These cultivars can surprise you with their growth patterns.
Collectors love hybrids because each one is different. You may find a hybrid with blue-green stems and pinkish fruits. Some hybrids even show unique colors that you will not see in standard cultivars. If you want a collection that stands out, try adding a hybrid cultivar. These cultivars often grow slower, but their vibrant colors and forms make them worth the wait.
Tip: Hybrids can be tricky to care for. Watch their growth and adjust light or water if you see changes in color or shape.
Unusual Color Forms
Some rare Myrtillocactus cultivars show colors that look almost unreal. You might see stems with streaks of yellow, white, or even purple. These cultivars often get called “variegated” or “mutant” forms. The colors come from changes in the plant’s cells. You will notice that these cultivars grow slower than normal ones.
Here are some unusual color forms you might find:
- Blue-green with yellow stripes
- Creamy white patches on blue stems
- Purple or pink blush on new growth
| Cultivar Type | Main Colors | Growth Speed | Collector Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variegated | Blue, yellow, white | Slow | Very High |
| Purple-tinted Hybrid | Blue, purple, green | Slow | High |
| Monstrose Variegate | Blue, cream, pink | Very Slow | Very High |
You can use these cultivars to add vibrant colors to your garden. The vibrant colors make each plant look like living art. If you want a collection with unique colors, search for these rare cultivars. Many collectors spend years looking for the perfect color form.
Callout: Rare color forms need more shade and careful watering. Too much sun can fade their vibrant colors.
Care Tips for Myrtillocactus
Light and Temperature
Your myrtillocactus needs lots of sunlight to grow well. Put it where it gets at least six hours of bright light every day. If you keep it inside, use a sunny window or a grow light. Good light helps the plant keep its blue-green color and strong shape.
Myrtillocactus likes warm weather. It grows best when it is between 70°F and 90°F. In winter, keep it above 50°F. Cold air or frost can hurt the plant. If you live where it gets cold, bring your myrtillocactus inside before it freezes.
Tip: Myrtillocactus can take heat, but sudden cold can hurt it.
Soil and Watering
Myrtillocactus needs soil that drains water fast. Use a cactus mix or make your own with sand, perlite, and potting soil. This kind of soil keeps water from staying around the roots. It helps stop rot and other problems.
Only water your myrtillocactus when the soil feels dry. Check by sticking your finger in the soil. In spring and summer, you might water every two weeks. In winter, water even less. Too much water can damage your plant. Always use pots with holes at the bottom.
Here is a quick guide for soil and watering care:
| Season | Watering Frequency | Soil Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | Every 2 weeks | Well-draining soil |
| Fall/Winter | Once a month | Well-draining soil |
Note: Myrtillocactus does best when you follow these soil and water tips.
Propagation
You can make new myrtillocactus plants by using cuttings or grafting. Cuttings work for most types. Let the cut end dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. This helps stop rot.
Grafting is another way to make more myrtillocactus, especially for rare kinds. Experts like grafting because it can help the plant grow faster and stronger. Grafting means joining a piece of myrtillocactus to a healthy rootstock. You need to match the cuts and keep them together until they heal. Many people use this for special cultivars. There are no exact numbers for success, but careful work gives good results.
Callout: Always use clean tools when you make new myrtillocactus plants. This keeps your plants safe from disease.
With the right care, your myrtillocactus will stay healthy. Watch the light, soil, and water. Use the best way to make new plants for your needs. These steps help you care for your myrtillocactus.
Comparing Varieties and Cultivars
Appearance and Growth
You can see big changes in myrtillocactus varieties. Standard types grow tall and straight up. Some, like crested or monstrose, twist and make wavy shapes. Variegated ones have white, yellow, or cream spots. These colors make your garden look bright and fun. Some types grow fast and get very tall. Rare forms grow slow and stay small. You can use this table to see how each type looks and grows:
| Variety Type | Shape | Growth Speed | Color Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Upright, branched | Fast | Blue-green |
| Crested | Fan-shaped, wavy | Slow | Blue, green |
| Monstrose | Bumpy, twisted | Slow | Blue, cream |
| Variegated | Mixed, upright | Very Slow | White, yellow, green |
Tip: Pick different types to get many shapes and colors in your garden.
Care Differences
You need to care for each type in a special way. Standard myrtillocactus likes lots of sun and dry soil. Crested and variegated types need more shade and careful watering. Too much sun or water can hurt these plants. Monstrose types also need extra care. Check the soil often and keep it dry. All types need soil that drains well. Use cactus mix for best results.
- Standard types: Easy to care for, need less shade
- Crested/Variegated: Need more shade, careful watering
- Monstrose: Need extra care, grow slowly
Note: Watch your plants for stress. Change your care if colors fade or you see soft spots.
Best Uses
You can use myrtillocactus types in many ways. Standard types look good as tall centerpieces. Crested and monstrose types look nice in pots or as living art. Variegated types add bright color to garden beds. You can group different types for a bold look. Many people use rare types as special plants in a collection. You can also put these plants in rock gardens or dry spots.
- Use standard types to add height to your garden.
- Put crested or monstrose types in pots to see them up close.
- Add variegated types to make shady spots brighter.
- Mix many types for a garden that looks unique.
Callout: Try different types to find what looks best in your garden.
Choosing Myrtillocactus for Your Collection
Selection Tips
When you start your Myrtillocactus collection, you want to make smart choices. Look for plants that fit the style of your garden. Some Myrtillocactus grow tall and straight, while others have twisted or crested shapes. You can pick a type that stands out as a centerpiece or one that adds texture to your garden beds.
Experts study Myrtillocactus by looking at how branches grow, how much damage fungi cause, and how well the plants make flowers and fruit. These studies help you understand what makes a healthy plant. You should check for strong stems, healthy color, and no signs of rot or pests. If you see new growth or flower buds, that is a good sign the plant is thriving.
Tip: Always choose plants that look healthy and have no soft spots or scars. Healthy plants will grow better in your garden.
You can mix different types to create a garden with many shapes and colors. Try placing taller Myrtillocactus in the back and smaller, unique forms in the front. This way, your garden will look full and interesting from every angle.
Sourcing Healthy Plants
You want to find healthy Myrtillocactus for your garden. Visit local nurseries or cactus shows where you can see the plants up close. Look for firm stems and bright colors. Avoid plants with brown spots, mushy areas, or signs of bugs.
Traditional growers in Mexico use careful handling to keep their plants strong. They check the roots and make sure the soil drains well. You can use these ideas when you pick plants for your garden. Ask sellers about how they care for their Myrtillocactus. Good sellers will know about soil, watering, and sunlight needs.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Firm, upright stems | Shows good health |
| No pests or fungus | Prevents garden problems |
| Bright, even color | Means strong growth |
| Healthy roots | Helps plant settle well |
Note: Healthy plants will adjust faster and grow better in your garden. Take your time with your selection to build a collection you can enjoy for years.
You can pick from many Myrtillocactus geometrizans types for your garden. Each type has something cool to offer. Look at this table to see how they are different:
| Type | Color | Growth Habit | Best Garden Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Blue-green | Tall, columnar | Focal point in large garden |
| Cochal | Rich green | Compact, bushy | Small garden or mixed group |
| Rare Cultivars | Variegated | Twisted, unique | Collector’s garden, display |
| Hybrids | Vibrant mix | Robust, striking | Eye-catching garden accent |
Try putting different types in your garden. See how each plant changes the way your garden looks. You can share your garden stories or ask questions below!
FAQ
How often should you water Myrtillocactus geometrizans?
You should water only when the soil feels dry. In summer, water every two weeks. In winter, water once a month. Always check the soil first. Too much water can cause root rot.
Can you grow Myrtillocactus geometrizans indoors?
Yes, you can grow it indoors. Place your plant near a sunny window. Use a pot with drainage holes. Give it bright light for at least six hours each day. Rotate the pot for even growth.
Why does your Myrtillocactus turn yellow?
Yellow stems often mean too much water or too much sun. Check your watering schedule. Move the plant to a spot with filtered sunlight. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
How do you propagate rare cultivars?
You can use stem cuttings or grafting. Let cuttings dry for a few days before planting. For rare types, grafting onto a healthy rootstock works best. Always use clean tools to prevent disease.
What pests or diseases affect Myrtillocactus?
Common pests include mealybugs and spider mites. Fungal rot can happen if the soil stays wet. Inspect your plant often. Remove pests with a cotton swab and treat rot by cutting away soft spots.