Search Plants
Try for Free
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
How to Care Cereus
How to Care Cereus, Growing Cereus, Caring for Cereus
Cereus, a distinct cacti genus, requires minimal care to thrive, making it ideal for novice gardeners. Overseen exploiting bright sunlight, the plant is drought-tolerant yet calls for moderate watering during its bloom period. Ideal temperature ranges from 65-85 °F, favoring well-draining, sandy soil. The plant's challenges primarily revolve around root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites, especially in poorly ventilated, humid conditions. Seasonally, spring stands crucial for initial growth, while winter necessitates a reduction in water intake. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure healthy growth.
Watering Frequency
Every 3 weeks
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Cereus?
Watering Frequency: Every 3 weeks
Thriving in arid environments, cereus has adapted to conserve water, making it highly drought-tolerant. This resilience translates into minimal watering needs, with a schedule of once every three weeks being sufficient to maintain its health. Given its native habitat's low humidity levels, cereus prefers dry conditions and is prone to overwatering if not monitored carefully. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and structural form, cereus benefits from the natural rainfall patterns, which contribute significantly to its watering regimen during the growing season.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cereus?
Cereus thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Aim for 6-8 hours of light daily, mimicking their natural desert habitat. Strong direct midday sun can scorch leaves, so provide shade or filtered light. Morning/evening full sun is beneficial. No specific light spectrum required, but blue to full-spectrum bulbs promote growth if using artificial lights. Rotate cereus periodically for even growth on all sides.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Cereus?
Primary methods for propagating cereus include seeds and stem cuttings, with the latter being more common. Successful propagation hinges on warm temperatures, ample light, and well-draining soil. Special considerations include allowing cuttings to callus before planting to prevent rot and providing support for tall growth. Propagation difficulty is moderate, as stem cuttings typically root easily with proper care. To propagate by cuttings, (1) select a healthy stem segment, (2) let the cut end dry and callus for a few days, (3) place in well-draining soil, (4) water sparingly until roots develop, and (5) gradually increase watering as the plant establishes.
How to Plant Cereus?
Cereus plants prefer well-draining sandy or loamy soil, abundant sunlight, and moderate water. To plant, prepare a site with the appropriate soil type. Place the cereus plant, ensuring it's upright and stable, then backfill the hole gently. Avoid overwatering and ensure maximum light exposure for these sun-loving species. While general tips apply to most cereus species, note that specific needs may vary. Always consult with expert advice for specific species within the cereus genus.
Key Facts About Cereus
Feedback
Attributes of Cereus
Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cereus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Cereus
More Info About Cereus
Types of Cereus
Feedback
Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis'
A unique cactus cultivar, sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' is a rare cactus with columnar, blue-green stems. It blooms profusely in the summer, bearing white flowers and ornamental red fruits. Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' grows slowly and thus does not often need to be repotted.
Mexican fence post cactus
Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Central Mexico where it is often cultivated as a living fence. This species is planted as a barrier so frequently throughout Mexico that it is also called the Mexican fence post cactus. Mexican fence post cactus grows best in well-drained, rocky soil.
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.
Mandacaru
Mandacaru is a spiny flowering succulent tree that has no leaves. In spring, the blossoms bloom at dusk and wither by the morning. In the past, it has been used for timber and construction or feed for livestock at times of drought; now, it can be used as a living fence or as an ornamental.
Giant club cactus
Giant club cactus is a large, erect, thorny columnar cactus found in South America.It is an unresearched, under-utilized cactus, grown mostly as an ornamental plant. And it has some local culinary importance. The Wayuu from the La Guajira Peninsula of Colombia and Venezuela also use the inner cane-like wood of the plant in wattle and daub construction.
Spiraled cereus
The striking and easily identifiable spiraled cereus (Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis') is characterized by the spiraling shape of its stems. A heavy bloomer, this species produces enormous white-pink flowers during pollination season. It is native to Peru and began appearing in European collections only in the 1980s.
Hedge cactus
Hedge cactus (Cereus hildmannianus) is a species of cactus that is native to Brazil, Argentina, and other South American countries. Hedge cactus has a tree-like appearance and will grow a woody trunk and branches up to 15 m tall. It produces large white flowers that are nearly 30 cm in diameter.
Blue cereus
Blue cereus (Cereus hexagonus) is a tree-like cactus that can grow to 15 m tall. It has a grayish-green twisted stalk with thorns along the five ridges. It blooms from spring to summer with large white blossoms that open at night. Flowers are funnel-shaped and can be up to 25 cm long. Edible fruits are pale red and ripen in fall. Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil.
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Hedgehog cactusses
The name hedgehog cactusses is given to the wide-ranging genus, Echinopsis (which itself means "appearing like a hedgehog"). At least 180 species fall under the Echinopsis genus, as do many artificial hybrids.
Frailea
Aztekium
Geohintonia
Hatiora
Eriosyce
Pseudorhipsalis
Stenocactus
Stenocactus are a genus of cacti that are adored by succulent enthusiasts for their attractively wrinkled leaves and spiny thorns. They are great to grow in containers and flower more readily than many other cacti. These plants are easily identified by their vertical leaf ribs that look like fins.
Botanist in your pocket
App
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
About
Basic Care Guide
Advanced Care
Key Facts
Types
Similar Plants
Cereus
Cereus
Cereus, a distinct cacti genus, requires minimal care to thrive, making it ideal for novice gardeners. Overseen exploiting bright sunlight, the plant is drought-tolerant yet calls for moderate watering during its bloom period. Ideal temperature ranges from 65-85 °F, favoring well-draining, sandy soil. The plant's challenges primarily revolve around root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites, especially in poorly ventilated, humid conditions. Seasonally, spring stands crucial for initial growth, while winter necessitates a reduction in water intake. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure healthy growth.
Watering Frequency
Every 3 weeks
Basic Care Guide
Feedback
How to Water Cereus?
Watering Frequency: Every 3 weeks
Thriving in arid environments, cereus has adapted to conserve water, making it highly drought-tolerant. This resilience translates into minimal watering needs, with a schedule of once every three weeks being sufficient to maintain its health. Given its native habitat's low humidity levels, cereus prefers dry conditions and is prone to overwatering if not monitored carefully. Typically grown outdoors due to its size and structural form, cereus benefits from the natural rainfall patterns, which contribute significantly to its watering regimen during the growing season.
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cereus?
Cereus thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Aim for 6-8 hours of light daily, mimicking their natural desert habitat. Strong direct midday sun can scorch leaves, so provide shade or filtered light. Morning/evening full sun is beneficial. No specific light spectrum required, but blue to full-spectrum bulbs promote growth if using artificial lights. Rotate cereus periodically for even growth on all sides.
Advanced Care Guide
Feedback
How to Propagate Cereus?
Primary methods for propagating cereus include seeds and stem cuttings, with the latter being more common. Successful propagation hinges on warm temperatures, ample light, and well-draining soil. Special considerations include allowing cuttings to callus before planting to prevent rot and providing support for tall growth. Propagation difficulty is moderate, as stem cuttings typically root easily with proper care. To propagate by cuttings, (1) select a healthy stem segment, (2) let the cut end dry and callus for a few days, (3) place in well-draining soil, (4) water sparingly until roots develop, and (5) gradually increase watering as the plant establishes.
How to Plant Cereus?
Cereus plants prefer well-draining sandy or loamy soil, abundant sunlight, and moderate water. To plant, prepare a site with the appropriate soil type. Place the cereus plant, ensuring it's upright and stable, then backfill the hole gently. Avoid overwatering and ensure maximum light exposure for these sun-loving species. While general tips apply to most cereus species, note that specific needs may vary. Always consult with expert advice for specific species within the cereus genus.
How to Grow and Care for Gardenia
Feedback
Attributes of Cereus
Water
Drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering.
Ideal Temperature
20 - 41 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cereus
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Cereus Types of Cereus
Feedback
Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis'
A unique cactus cultivar, sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' is a rare cactus with columnar, blue-green stems. It blooms profusely in the summer, bearing white flowers and ornamental red fruits. Sweetpotato cactus 'Spiralis' grows slowly and thus does not often need to be repotted.
Mexican fence post cactus
Mexican fence post cactus (Cereus marginatus) is a cactus native to Central Mexico where it is often cultivated as a living fence. This species is planted as a barrier so frequently throughout Mexico that it is also called the Mexican fence post cactus. Mexican fence post cactus grows best in well-drained, rocky soil.
Fairy castle cactus
Fairy castle cactus is a miniature Cereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castle' that grows as clumps of columnar spires that resemble a castle’s turrets. A spiny succulent that grows slowly and blooms only infrequently, it is an extremely popular choice for indoor growing in full-sun locations.
Mandacaru
Mandacaru is a spiny flowering succulent tree that has no leaves. In spring, the blossoms bloom at dusk and wither by the morning. In the past, it has been used for timber and construction or feed for livestock at times of drought; now, it can be used as a living fence or as an ornamental.
Show More Plants
More Similar Plants
Feedback
Hedgehog cactusses
The name hedgehog cactusses is given to the wide-ranging genus, Echinopsis (which itself means "appearing like a hedgehog"). At least 180 species fall under the Echinopsis genus, as do many artificial hybrids.
Frailea
Aztekium
Geohintonia
Hatiora
Eriosyce
Pseudorhipsalis
Stenocactus
Stenocactus are a genus of cacti that are adored by succulent enthusiasts for their attractively wrinkled leaves and spiny thorns. They are great to grow in containers and flower more readily than many other cacti. These plants are easily identified by their vertical leaf ribs that look like fins.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
