The spiral cactus, also known as Cereus forbesii, is a native of Peru and was once so uncommon that only affluent plant collectors with the means to support biologists had the pleasure of possessing one. Despite growing in popularity, it is still harder to find than other, less uncommon cacti.
The spiral cactus may grow to a height of 6 to 13 feet and a diameter of 4 to 5 inches when fully developed. Contrary to popular belief, not all cacti are slow-growing; the spiral cactus is one among them, and if you give it the right care and attention, you’ll see results immediately.
The plant is waxy to the touch and has a blueish-green tint. They are prolific bloomers and their blossoms are breathtakingly stunning. If you’re fortunate enough to see these blooms, you can pollinate them to create a sizable, non-toxic purple fruit by eating them. We can’t guarantee that it will taste nice if you decide to give it a nibble, but a child or pet can try it without getting hurt. Simply watch out for the incredibly sharp spines.
What causes cacti to spiral?
Although many plants, including cactus and sunflowers, exhibit spiral patterns of growth, the reason behind why they do so has long been a mystery. Now that the issue has been resolved, these patterns let growing plants experience as little mechanical stress as possible.
The spirals are simple to identify. A cactus head, for instance, is covered in bumps, each of which has a pointy tip, or “sticker.” In some cacti, you may start at the center and draw spirals linking each sticker to its nearest neighbor, giving you three sets of spirals: one with three, one with four, and one with six.
Where can cacti grow?
The cactus is an amazing plant that has evolved to survive in some of the most difficult environments on Earth. From its stem to its spines, everything about it is built to maximize its capacity to store water for itself in environments with dry soil and infrequent rainfall. Because they need so little upkeep, cacti are a great choice for someone new to houseplants.
A cactus can grow everywhere, right? Despite being native to North and South America, cactus plants may thrive elsewhere. Cactuses are primarily found in the hottest, driest regions of the planet. However, some cacti species can be found in Alaska and portions of Antarctica, as well as in rain forests and on mountain ranges.
Cactuses can grow in the severe heat found in deserts all over the world and can survive on very little water. Having said that, there are several kinds of cacti that thrive in both high and low elevations, lush mountain bases, and water-rich rainforests. Despite being native to the Americas, the plant may grow everywhere in the world.