Eulychnia castanea f. spiralis | Button cactus
€63,60
🌱 Morphology
Horticultural selection of Eulychnia castanea characterized by a monstrous and helical growth. The stems, initially green and cylindrical, develop ribs and areoles progressively displaced around the axis, creating a marked spiral that can rotate either to the right or to the left. The surface acquires an irregular, sculptural, and deeply furrowed appearance. The original species forms stems 6–8 cm in diameter, with 8–13 ribs and yellow to yellowish-brown spines.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
The original species is endemic to the central coast of Chile, from Los Molles, in Valparaíso, to the Talinay mountain range, in Coquimbo. It grows on marine terraces, slopes, and rocky outcrops of the semi-arid coastal scrub, from sea level up to about 150–200 m. It belongs to the Cactaceae family, Cactoideae subfamily, Echinocereeae tribe.
❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 9b
It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −4 ºC when kept dry and properly acclimatized, although the monstrous forms are more sensitive to prolonged frosts and winter humidity.
☀️ Lighting
It requires very intense light and direct sun once acclimatized. High radiation helps maintain compact growth and define the spiral architecture. As a guideline during active growth, a DLI PAR of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ is recommended.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During spring and summer, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. In winter, it should be kept dry and well-ventilated.
🌸 Flowering
The species produces lateral flowers in the upper part of the stems, approximately 5–5.5 cm long, with white to pink inner segments. The fruits are globose, yellowish, and remain covered with areoles bearing bristles and spines.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low levels of nitrogen is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
