A tiny, columnar, branching, slow-growing cactus with five-sided, spiny stems that are mid-green, Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’ produces a large number of smaller offsets. The multiple vertical stems of various heights that resemble spires and turrets are what give the fairy castle cactus its common name.
This cactus grows very slowly and can grow to a height of up to 6 feet (1.8 m). The five-sided stems have woolly-based spines running the length of each plane. Bright green limbs that eventually become woody and brown are present. Over time, many branches emerge, gently extending and creating an intriguing appearance. Rarely are flowers that bloom at night, in white or yellow, produced.
Care Guide
Water
The fairy castle cactus is a drought-resistant plant that doesn’t need to be watered frequently. When the soil is entirely dry, water it well. To prevent water buildup when watering a pot, water carefully, wait for water to trickle out the bottom, and then pour the extra water from the tray.
Its three main growing seasons are spring, summer and autumn. To keep the soil just a little bit moist, water once or twice every week. Water the soil only enough to prevent it from drying out too much over the winter, usually once a week. Additionally, use distilled or rainwater instead of tap water.
Calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts are abundant in tap water. Compaction of the soil is often brought on by prolonged use. When watering, avoid sprinkling water on the stem to avoid rotting.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the fairy castle cactus with liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing seasons (spring, summer and autumn). Wintertime doesn’t call for fertilizer. When repotting in the spring or autumn, a tiny amount of slow-release fertilizer can be thoroughly incorporated into the soil.
Sunlight
As a heliophilic plant, the fairy castle cactus need enough sunlight to thrive and blossom. It may be positioned on a balcony or in an open area of a garden. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight should be avoided in the sweltering summer, when it needs to be shaded or somewhat chilled to prevent damage from high temperatures.
Temperature
The fairy castle cactus is found in tropical, subtropical, and semiarid areas that experience little precipitation, intense sunlight, and scorching temperatures. 20 to 35 °C is the ideal temperature for growth. Temperatures below 10 °C or above 35 °C cause development to stall and dormancy to start. The surroundings should be well-ventilated and the air humidity shouldn’t be too high. Avoid accumulating water and high humidity.
Soil
The fairy castle cactus thrives in soil that is fertile, rich in gravel, water-permeable, and has a pH level of 6-7. 60% vermiculite + 20% coco coir or peat moss + 20% sandy soil is a common culture soil composition. You might also add a tiny bit of organic potting soil. To increase the soil’s air permeability, lightweight culture media like vermiculite can be applied. To improve soil fertility, you can also add eggshell powder or vermicompost.
Pruning
Pruning the fairy castle cactus is not necessary very often. Remove dead branches and blooms to allow the plant to focus its resources on nutrient-rich growth.
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