Fairy Castle Cactus

Light Needs

Bright Direct Light to Bright Indirect Light

Mature Height

6 Feet

Mature Spread

3 Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

Fairy Castle Cactus has a distinctive triangle or 5-sided shape and is a member of the night-blooming Cereus family. This cactus is also known as Triangle or Barbed wire Cactus, and by the scientific name Acanthocereus tetragonus. The multiple stems of this cactus grow at different rates, giving the overall appearance of a castle with turrets and towers. Fairy Castle rarely blooms when it is grown indoors and only after it is ten years or older. 

Best Locations For Growing Fairy Castle Cactus

This slow-growing cactus will take many years to reach its full height of 6 or more feet. Place the pot in a location where it will not be subjected to drafts from doors and windows or air from a furnace vent. Place this spiny cactus in a spot where no children or pets may brush up against it or be able to touch the sharp needles. 

Fairy Castle Cactus Sunlight Requirements

Direct sun from a south- or southwest-facing window is ideal. Make sure this cactus receives 6 hours of bright light. If the stems are stretched out and yellowing and lose their deep green color, the cactus is not receiving enough light. Growing Fairy castle under a full spectrum grow light will reverse the damage. It is normal for this cactus to develop woody or corky areas on the oldest stems. 

Fairy Castle Cactus Care

An unglazed terracotta pot and free-draining cactus soil are perfect for growing this cactus. Either buy or make your own cactus potting blend. To make your own, add one part potting soil to one part sharp sand and one part perlite. This mix will hold the correct amount of moisture while allowing for good drainage. Check that the bottom of the container has sufficient drainage holes. All cacti slow their growth in winter and will require minimal care during this time. Just remember to keep the plant away from drafts and cold windows. 

Watering Fairy Castle Cactus

In their native habitats, cacti rely on seasonal downpours to get all of the moisture they need. Water your cactus by either drenching the soil with a watering can and letting the excess drain into a saucer or immersing the whole pot in a sink of room-temperature water.  The soil will soak up all the moisture it can hold, and then you can place the pot on a saucer to drain the excess water. Discard any standing water in the saucer after 10 minutes. Let the Fairy Castle Cactus dry fully before watering again. 

Feeding Fairy Castle Cactus

Once a year in the spring, apply a liquid cactus fertilizer. Apply at the time of watering and use it at half the strength recommended on the label.

SKU:

Succ_Cactus_Fairy.Castle-HP