Have you ever heard of the Creeping Devil Cactus, scientifically known as ‘Stenocereus Eruca’? I bet you have. That’s why you are here to explore more about this plant. This post will provide you with overall information about the plant, along with some pictures of it. Stay tuned!
Appearance
The stems of this cactus are slender and cylindrical, resembling a chain of sausages or hot dogs. The individual stems can grow to be quite long, sometimes reaching up to 2 feet or more. The stems have a grayish-green to bluish-green coloration. Furthermore, this stem can store water inside, which can help it survive in dry environment.
Stenocereus Eruca has unique spines. These spines are sharp and thin. They are usually a mix of white and gray colors. Spines protect the cactus from animals and help it survive in hot, dry places by shading it and catching dew. The cactus’s spines are not just for defense, they also help it move slowly across the ground. This role is rare for cacti. When they grow, old parts touch the ground and root. Then, new parts keep growing, making it seem “creeping”.
It also produces flowers. These flowers are large, often measuring 5 to 7.5 cm. Their shape is like funnels with creamy-white to pinkish color. In addition, these flowers produce fruits which are edible and fleshy. The blooming period of this cactus depends on its growing conditions but typically occurs during the warmer months of the year. When the temperatures get cooler, that would be the signal for the end of the blooming season.
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Care Requirements
The Creeping Devil Cactus is often favored for its relatively low-maintenance care requirements. However, like all plants, it thrives best when given proper care. Here’s what you need to know:
Light: Stenocereus Eruca are native to the desert, which means they love sunlight. To keep your Creeping Devil Cactus happy, place it where it can receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight at least 6 to 8 hours. A sunny windowsill or a spot on your patio with filtered sunlight will do the trick. Just protect it from scorching, direct sunlight, which can harm the plant.
Temperature: As desert natives, Creeping Devil Cacti prefer warm and dry conditions. It’s best to keep the temperature above 50°F (10°C) for the health and longevity of your plant. Higher temperatures is still good for it, but they can be sensitive to cold so during the winter months, protect your cactus from frost.
Soil and Potting: Stenocereus Eruca thrive in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Use a cactus or succulent mix for optimal results. When potting, choose a container with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. Remember, they have shallow root systems, so a wider, shallow pot works well for this species.
Watering: They are drought-tolerant plants and prefer to dry out between watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the growing season, typically spring through early autumn, water your cactus more often once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature. In the winter, reduce watering to a minimum as the plant enters a period of dormancy.
Fertilizing: You don’t need to be generous with fertilizers for the Creeping Devil Cactus. During the growing season, feed your cactus with a diluted, balanced cactus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and reduced overall health.
Pruning and Repotting: Pruning is generally unnecessary for these cacti, but you can remove any damaged or dead stems to maintain their appearance. Repot your Creeping Devil Cactus when it outgrows its container, typically every 2-3 years. Be sure to handle it carefully due to its spines.
Growth
If you’re considering introducing a Creeping Devil Cactus to your plant family, growing it successfully is reasonably achievable. Here’s how to cultivate these charming cacti:
Select a Suitable Location: As mentioned earlier, choose a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. This is crucial for the cactus to thrive and display its best features.
Prepare the Right Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix to ensure your cactus’s roots don’t sit in stagnant water. Mix in some perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Planting: When transferring your cactus to its new home, handle it with care, as the spines can be deceiving. Please remove it from its nursery pot and place it in the prepared container. Ensure the cactus is planted at the same depth as in its previous pot.
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years when the cactus outgrows its container. Be sure to use gloves or a towel when handling it, as those spines can irritate the skin.
With proper care and attention to these steps, you can enjoy the delightful sight of your Creeping Devil Cactus slowly but surely spreading and thriving.
Conclusion
The Creeping Devil Cactus, or ‘Stenocereus Eruca’, is a wonderful choice for cacti lovers. It meets all the requirements range from easy care guide so you don’t have to put so much effort into it, to the unique appearance. Owing a Stenocereus ensure that your home space is much more attractive so why not purchase right away a Stenocereus to your lovely home.
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