PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure preferred; tolerates partial shade during intense midday summer heat to prevent sunscald
Watering
Allow soil to fully dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, especially in cool months
Temperature
Hardy to mild short-term frost; protect from extended temperatures below 5°C to avoid tissue damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Modified into sharp yellowish radial spines (10–15 per areole) and 1–3 stout central spines per areole
- Flower: Large white funnel-shaped night-blooming blooms, up to 15 cm in length
- Stem: Green globular to short columnar stems with 12–18 distinct, rounded ribs
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once every 10–14 days when soil is fully dry
Fertilization
Diluted cactus-specific feed once every 6 weeks. Use low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer to support flowering and stem health
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:40 with water for root drench to promote bloom production without overfertilizingPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or discolored stem segments to maintain plant health and appearance
- Detach offset pups in spring for propagation; allow cut surfaces to callus before planting
- Avoid trimming healthy stem tissue or spines, as this can damage the cactus’s natural water storage structure
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity symptoms
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental container plant; xeriscape garden specimen for coastal arid regions
