Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata | Crested Strawberry Cactus
€53,00
🌱 Morphology
Fasciated form of Lophocereus marginatus, which grows very slowly and has a sculptural appearance. Instead of developing regular cylindrical stems, the meristem produces a wavy crest that can multiply and form wide, sinuous, deeply folded structures. The epidermis is deep green, and the edges of the crest retain the small areoles and spines characteristic of the species, although their distribution is altered by the fasciation. Over the years, it can reach a considerable size and become a spectacular collector's specimen. The crested form is also known by former names such as Pachycereus marginatus f. cristata.
🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
The species is native to Mexico, mainly the arid and semi-arid regions of central Mexico, where it grows as a columnar cactus branching from the base. It belongs to the Cactaceae family. Joël Lodé's taxonomy maintains Lophocereus marginatus as a species within Lophocereus; the crested form should be understood as a fasciated morphological expression of this species.
❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 9a
Tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −6 ºC when dry and with well-acclimatized specimens. Crested specimens should be given extra protection from damp cold, as the numerous irregularities on the surface can retain moisture.
☀️ Lighting
Requires very intense direct sunlight to maintain a compact and well-defined crest. During the active growth period, a PAR DLI of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ is recommended. Insufficient lighting can result in weaker growth and deform the architecture of the crest.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. It is kept practically dry during the cold months. Growth resumes in spring and summer, and deep watering is recommended, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. The crested form requires special attention to drainage and ventilation to prevent moisture buildup between the folds.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers are the same as those of the species and appear mainly on adult specimens: they are tubular, approximately 3–4 cm long, in white, pink, or reddish shades, and open mainly at night. In crested forms, flowering may be less frequent or occur irregularly.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with a substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
10x10 cm pot
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