Variegated Fairy Castle Cactus – Cactus Plants

Variegated Fairy Castle Cactus is a dwarf, columnar, branching, slow growing cactus. The stems are barbed, 5-sided, mid-green with creamy-yellow variegation, producing numerous smaller offsets. It can reach a height of 6 feet (1.8 m) with great age. Nighttime, white or yellow flowers are rarely produced.

Scientific classification:

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Echinocereeae
Genus: Acanthocereus

Scientific Name: Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’ f. variegata.
Common Names: Variegated Fairy Castle Cactus.

How to grow and maintain Variegated Fairy Castle Cactus:

Light:
It grows well in full sun or filtered shade locations. Plants that do not get enough sunlight will grow more slowly and fail to thrive.

Soil:
It prefers any rich, well-drained soil such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mold. Or use a cactus soil mix is ideal.

Temperature:
It prefers average temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 10 degrees Celsius – 24 degrees Celsius are ideal but not below 40 degrees Fahrenheit / 5 degrees Celsius and avoid frost.

Water:
Water moderately, during the growing season. Allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out before watering again. During the winter season, do not water the plants but just keep them moist otherwise they will rot.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize once a month, during the growing season (spring) with a weak liquid cactus fertilizer.

Propagation:
It can be propagated by cuttings. Simply cut a branch and replant in moist, well-drained soil. It helps to allow the cut end dry out and harden before you replant it. This makes it easier for the new cactus to form roots.

Repotting:
Repotting should be done every other year, or when the plant has outgrown its pot. To re-pot cacti, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently expel the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you re-pot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious pest and diseases problems. Watch for infestations of mealybug, scale insects, and spider mite.