Myrtillocactus Geometrizans, also referred to as Blue Myrtle Cactus, is one of the most extraordinary shrub cactuses and one that is easy to propagate, making it a fantastic plant to keep at home.
However, and as with all plants, there are some things you need to know before growing and caring for this plant. So, if you are looking for such information, keep on reading below!
An Overview Of Myrtillocactus Geometrizans
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans’ uniqueness lies in its shape that never ceases to change. It begins as a single column-shaped prickly pear that keeps growing skywards.
Yet, the more it grows, it begins to develop numerous candelabra-like branches that give it a shrub-like look.
The corrugated verticals of this aesthetically appealing cactus are immediately identifiable, as are the tiny peaks that sprout from equally spaced areolas.
Even though it is a primarily green cactus, this plant has lovely textural tints of grey and blue that give it more charm, making it a real conversation piece.
Its tricolore style, as well as its fruit yield, have presented this cactus with a variety of other monikers. Other names for Myrtillocactus geometrizans and Blue Myrtle cactus include Blue candle, Whortleberry cactus, and Bilberry cactus.
Myrtillocactus geometrizans originated in the regions of north and central Mexico and is an easy plant to look after and keep at home. So, regardless of whether you are a veteran or a new cacti owner, this is one of the best ones to go for!
Tiny green and white sprouts can be expected in the springtime. Unfortunately, these sweet-smelling blossoms have a short life of approximately 24 hours, but they are appealing to bees and most of the pollinators.
Nevertheless, soon afterwards, rectangular dark blue and purple berries emerge, which also taste sweet. Yes, you can eat them, and they are in fact a popular Mexican treat.
Where To Keep A Blue Myrtle Cactus
This plant grows better when it is indoors, except in cases where your residence is in an area or country that sees extremely high temperatures.
A fully grown plant requires lots of direct sun during the summertime, but young cacti should be placed in a sunny area with some shade to prevent burning their delicate stalks.
This plant must be transferred to a relatively cool location for the colder days in the winter, but you should even then keep it a place that gets lots of direct sun. Transferring it to a less warm spot will support its blossoming next year.
This spiky plant is only semi-hardy and can only endure freezing temperatures no lower than 22° F / -4° C for brief periods of time.
Dimensions
This is a cactus that, if you are taking good care of it, can grow rapidly and even become 5 meters tall. Not only that but every single one of its stems can expand to a radius of 10 centimeters.
As we previously mentioned, at first Myrtillocactus Geometrizans are growing in a single column, with the ‘candelabra-like stems that make up the cactus shrub developing the more the cactus grows.
Watering The Blue Myrtle Cactus
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans, like most of the other cactuses, does not need lots of water. In the summertime, you should be watering it completely and with frequent intervals at a time but do so sporadically.
In other words, you should always let your plant absorb all of the water and then water it again in a couple of days. If its soil is still wet, it’s not time to add more water to it.
You must only water it a little bit during the winter months. Myrtillocactus Geometrizans have a summer growth cycle and are inert in the winter.
While they can continue to develop throughout its torpor, they are doing so way more slowly, requiring less water and minerals.
Watering this plant is only necessary in the winter when the soil is no longer wet, same as you would do in the summertime.
You can check the soil’s humidity by putting 1/4 or more of your finger in the soil or by needling the soil around the drain holes in the pot’s bottom.
It really is helpful to be aware of the warning signs that your plant has been watered too much. Wet, squishy, and brown branches are signs of that. You might even see it developing at a slower rate.
If the stalks of your Blue Myrtle cactus are veiny and delicate, it’s time to rehydrate it. If the stalks of your Blue Myrtle cactus are veiny and delicate, it’s time to rehydrate it.
The stalks might too feel dry or breakable and might quickly fall off if you try to touch them.
Another bit of advice when it comes to how and when to water your Myrtillocactus Geometrizans is that you should not start watering them with a spray bottle or mister.
This cactus does not tolerate extreme amounts of moisture, and prolonged contact with soggy stalks or branches could lead them to turn brown.
Soil
When putting Myrtillocactus Geometrizans in soil, you must only try it with a well-draining type. To start receiving the oxygen these plants require, the root system must be free of extra dampness.
Opt for a soil with no peat or for coconut coir that has been combined with mineral ingredients like grit, sand, or perlite.
Cultivating in the proper soil promotes a robust propagation and helps avoid root decay and other diseases.
You could even go for your homemade version of soil that can drain well. All you need to do is to combine two-thirds of the minerals and one-third of organic compounds.
Ready-made cacti soil is also widely available on the internet and at most reputable stores with garden supplies.
Flowers
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans requires nothing but a relaxing winter period, and that is why it is such a simple plant to own and care for.
If you can offer that to this cactus, then you will increase its chances of anthesis in the year that’s coming.
You can effortlessly offer them a restful winter season by slowing down the rate and volume of water, as well as by transferring the cactus to a relatively cool spot for the colder season.
This way, you will be able to welcome springtime with some green-white sprouts emerging from the plant.
We’ve already mentioned that these flowers will stay there for no more than 24 hours, so take all the photos you need before it’s time to devour those sweet berries that will come out of them!
Feeding
In the springtime and the summertime, strive for balance and get a cactus fertilizer that you can add every 28 days to promote a great, robust rhizome and a strong development.
When it’s cold in December and the rest of the chilly months, you don’t have to nourish your cactus.
Trimming
Trimming this cactus shrub is unusual. This plant’s distinguishing characteristic is its constantly and rapidly growing candelabra-like stems.
Repotting
This is a quickly growing thick shrub cactus that will require repotting at least every two years. It needs a decent amount of room to develop and yet it dislikes excess soil because it can interfere with the survival and prosperity of a good rhizome.
Simply keep track of your cactus’ development and transfer into a proper plant pot every two years.
How To Grow Myrtillocactus Geometrizans
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans can be grown either from seeds or from stems. However, it should only be done in the summertime, after the flowers have bloomed.
Store the seedlings from ripe fruits after they have popped. Thoroughly cleaning and drying these seedlings is important prior to planting them straight into the well-draining soil. Before planting seeds, make certain that the cold period has ended.
Firstly, you need to be gentle when watering the seeds and make sure not to add any water before the soil has fully dried out. Keep on watering properly and on a routine basis.
Keep the seeds out of bright sunlight that can directly hit them. Younger shrubs and seeds require a warm, safe spot with good ventilation, lot of light and a bit of shade if temperatures are extremely high.
To grow a new cactus from pruning from a stemmed Blue Myrtle, you have to start by removing a stem with a sterilized and pointy knife.
Cut the stem from the closest point to the main column of the cactus and leave the cut part on a board lined with baking parchment for 2–3 weeks till it’s completely dried out.
Plant this cut part in well-draining soil when it is bone dry. It only needs some watering at first, but then you should add more only when the soil’s soaked up all the water and it’s no longer wet.
Again, to promote its growth, you should keep your planted stem away from direct sunlight and keep it in a space where the warmth, ventilation, lighting, and shade are perfect for its propagation.
The Most Common Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Issue
Rotten Roots
Leaving the plant in soil that’s not completely dry and watering it again or too much, not opting for a well-draining soil. All these are the main reasons why your cactus’ roots might start rotting.
Spotting the rotted roots of your plant is not an easy job, yet some self-evident things that you can keep an eye on might help you tell whether your cactus’ roots are healthy or not.
Those signs are the cactus’s head turning wrinkly or appearing yellowish, a foul smell, or the column becoming brown at the bottom underneath the soil surface.
Start by removing your Blue Myrtle from its pot before treating it for rot disease in the roots. After that, gently wipe away any soil that has remained on the root system.
Any roots that have become dark, softer, and soggy must be removed. To extract root rot, you will need pointy, sterilized scissors or knives.
Once you have finished with removing all the rot and the roots that have been affected, you need to wait until the rest of the roots have completely dried out.
When that happens, you can repot the cactus, but you will have to do so in a new pot and with new soil. As for the watering process, it is the same as in all case scenarios we have already examined.
The Bottom Line
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans, or Blue Myrtle, is an amazing cactus plant that you can grow at home and keep for a long time. Its fascinating looks and simple needs make it perfect for both experienced and inexperienced plant owners.
So, if you like the idea of having a cactus at home, Blue Myrtle is an absolute must, and now that you know how to plant and grow it, there’s really no excuse not to get one!