Cereus spiralis

$80.00

🌵 Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' (Spiral Cactus)

Common Names:
Spiral Cactus, Twisted Cereus, Cereus spiralis (nursery trade name)

Family:
Cactaceae

📏 Description

The Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis', commonly called the Spiral Cactus, is a visually stunning and highly sought-after cactus known for its unique, naturally twisting, spiraling stems.

  • Growth Habit:
    A columnar cactus that grows upright while spiraling around its central axis, giving it a sculptural, almost surreal appearance.

  • Height:
    In cultivation, it can grow up to 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) tall, though its height depends on age and growing conditions.

  • Stem Color:
    Blue-green to green, often with a waxy coating that gives it a slightly frosted look.

  • Ribs:
    Usually has 5 to 9 ribs that follow the spiral curvature of the stem.

  • Spines:
    Short, gray to brownish spines emerge from areoles that follow the spiral pattern.

🌸 Flowers

  • Blooming:
    Flowers appear rarely in cultivation but when mature and under ideal conditions, it produces large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers.

  • Flower Color:
    Typically white with pinkish outer petals, measuring up to 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.

  • Pollination:
    Often pollinated by bats and moths in its native habitat.

🌱 Cultivation and Care

  • Light:
    Loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade when young. More sun encourages stronger spiraling.

  • Soil:
    Prefers well-draining cactus soil or sandy loam.

  • Watering:
    Water deeply but allow soil to completely dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter.

  • Temperature:
    Not frost-tolerant. Protect from temperatures below -2°C (28°F).

  • Feeding:
    During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer monthly.

  • Propagation:
    Usually propagated by stem cuttings. Let cuttings callous before planting. Growing from seed is possible but slow.

🏡 Landscape and Display Use

  • Design Impact:
    Highly ornamental and perfect for feature pots, rock gardens, or xeriscape designs.
    Looks stunning in modern, minimalist landscapes or desert-themed gardens.

  • Container Growing:
    Popular as a potted specimen because of its slow growth and architectural form.

✅ Quick Summary

The Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' (Spiral Cactus) is a unique, visually dramatic, and relatively easy-to-grow cactus. Its natural spiral growth makes it a collector’s favorite and an excellent statement piece for any garden or cactus collection.

🌵 Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' (Spiral Cactus)

Common Names:
Spiral Cactus, Twisted Cereus, Cereus spiralis (nursery trade name)

Family:
Cactaceae

📏 Description

The Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis', commonly called the Spiral Cactus, is a visually stunning and highly sought-after cactus known for its unique, naturally twisting, spiraling stems.

  • Growth Habit:
    A columnar cactus that grows upright while spiraling around its central axis, giving it a sculptural, almost surreal appearance.

  • Height:
    In cultivation, it can grow up to 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) tall, though its height depends on age and growing conditions.

  • Stem Color:
    Blue-green to green, often with a waxy coating that gives it a slightly frosted look.

  • Ribs:
    Usually has 5 to 9 ribs that follow the spiral curvature of the stem.

  • Spines:
    Short, gray to brownish spines emerge from areoles that follow the spiral pattern.

🌸 Flowers

  • Blooming:
    Flowers appear rarely in cultivation but when mature and under ideal conditions, it produces large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers.

  • Flower Color:
    Typically white with pinkish outer petals, measuring up to 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.

  • Pollination:
    Often pollinated by bats and moths in its native habitat.

🌱 Cultivation and Care

  • Light:
    Loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade when young. More sun encourages stronger spiraling.

  • Soil:
    Prefers well-draining cactus soil or sandy loam.

  • Watering:
    Water deeply but allow soil to completely dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter.

  • Temperature:
    Not frost-tolerant. Protect from temperatures below -2°C (28°F).

  • Feeding:
    During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer monthly.

  • Propagation:
    Usually propagated by stem cuttings. Let cuttings callous before planting. Growing from seed is possible but slow.

🏡 Landscape and Display Use

  • Design Impact:
    Highly ornamental and perfect for feature pots, rock gardens, or xeriscape designs.
    Looks stunning in modern, minimalist landscapes or desert-themed gardens.

  • Container Growing:
    Popular as a potted specimen because of its slow growth and architectural form.

✅ Quick Summary

The Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' (Spiral Cactus) is a unique, visually dramatic, and relatively easy-to-grow cactus. Its natural spiral growth makes it a collector’s favorite and an excellent statement piece for any garden or cactus collection.