Myrtillocactus geometrizans (mir-til-oh-KAK-tus, jee-oh-MET-rih-zans) is an upright cactus that becomes tree-like with age.
Native to parts of Mexico, including the Chihuahuan Desert, the plant is widespread in tropical forests and arid scrub.
The cactus resembles a candelabra, with its dense growth of stems that grow closely together.
In its native habitat, it can grow up to 15′ feet tall, with the width of the crown about the same.
When the cactus is young, it grows as a singular column, but as it matures, it develops multiple branches.
The Myrtillocactus geometrizans can be identified by its ribbed stems with small spikes.
Although the cactus is primarily green, it also has hues of blue and grey that make this candelabra-shaped cactus an interesting specimen.
The Myrtillocactus geometrizans plant is excellent for beginners, either as a houseplant or outdoors if you live in a warm climate.
The young cactus needs morning sun in the summer, but the afternoon sun may burn the stems. Conversely, the mature cactus needs plenty of direct sunlight.
Due to its blue-green color and growth habit, the plant has acquired several common names.
Some of the plant’s common names come from its colorful appearance.
The several common names of Myrtillocactus geometrizans are:
- Blue candle
- Blue myrtle-cactus
- Whortleberry Cactus
- Garambulla cactus
- Blue Flame
- Bilberry Cactus
Quick Facts On Myrtillocactus Geometrizans
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Bright sun
- Temperature: 60° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering
- Fertilizer: Specialized cactus fertilizer monthly feeding
- Propagation: Seed or cuttings
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, stem rot
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Care
What Does The Blue Candle Plant Look Like, and How Big Does It Grow?
Blue Candle Plant features 2” to 4” inches thick stems with multiple areoles and 5 to 8 ribs.
In addition, the succulent stems have small spines growing from the areoles.
While the young plant grows erect and unbranched, the mature plant produces several branches, giving it a candelabra-like appearance.
Outdoors, Myrtillocactus Geometrizans is fast-growing and can reach a height of 15’ to 16’ feet. The crown is often just as wide as it is tall, giving it a unique appearance.
The cactus can also be grown indoors, but it may not reach quite the same height as those planted outdoors.
When Does The Blue Candle Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Blue Candle Plant is a cactus plant that blooms with small green or white flowers once it has grown to about 2’ feet.
Unfortunately, these sweet-smelling flowers only last for one day but are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
After flowering, the cactus produces small dark purple fruits that resemble the whortleberry or bilberry fruit of the Vaccinium myrtillus.
Therefore, the common names of the plant, Whortleberry Cactus and Bilberry Cactus, are based on the fruit’s resemblance.
The edible fruit, known as garambullo, has a sweet flavor and is considered a snack in Mexico.
The cactus bears edible blue fruits that look like blueberries but are called garambullos.
While the fruits are edible, the plant contains mescaline, which has psychoactive properties.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Like most other succulents, Blue Candle Plant needs sunlight to grow properly.
However, be careful not to expose young plants to direct sun, as the tender leaves may burn. Once they reach maturity, the plants can be in full sunlight.
The Myrtillocactus geometrizans plant thrives in USDA zones 9a to 11b. The ideal temperature for this plant is 60° to 80° degrees Farhenheit.
In addition, the cactus plant is semi-hardy and can only tolerate temperatures down to 25° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, many gardeners don’t like exposing the cactus to temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper growth.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Blue Candle Plant?
Blue Candle Plant is a tree-like cactus plant that is reasonably drought-resistant but appreciates summer watering.
However, be careful not to overwater it, as it cannot tolerate standing water.
To ensure even watering, let the soil dry out before watering again.
In the winter, reduce watering to a bare minimum to prevent the soil from being wet for an extended period, which can lead to root loss.
Feed your Myrtillocactus geometrizans monthly during the growing season with a specialized cactus fertilizer for optimum growth.
What Is The Best Soil For The Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Plant, And When Should You Transplant?
The Myrtillocactus Geometrizans plant needs a well-draining soil mix to allow proper drainage. Since the cactus cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, well-draining soil is necessary.
Some gardeners add pea gravel to the soil to help improve its drainage.
Since this plant is exceptionally fast-growing, you must repot it annually.
Does The Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Plant Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
While Myrtillocactus Geometrizans is easy to grow and low-maintenance, you must be careful in freezing weather to protect the plant.
Otherwise, no pruning or maintenance is necessary.
How To Propagate the Blue Candle Plant?
You can propagate the Blue candle plant from:
- Seed
- Stem cuttings
To propagate from seeds, do the following:
- First, collect seeds from the ripe fruits.
- Then, clean and dry the seeds and sow them directly into the ground after the last chance of frost has passed.
- Make sure to plant the seeds in a sunny location.
When propagating from cuttings, here’s what you need to do:
- Let the cutting dry or callous for 2 to 3 weeks before planting it into the soil.
- Then water once and let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Like with seeds, make sure to plant the cuttings in a warm and sunny location, outside or in a pot.
Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Pests And Diseases
While the Bilberry Plant isn’t susceptible to many diseases or pests, it can develop plant rot if overwatered. To avoid overwatering, ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Suggested Whortleberry Cactus Uses
The Whortleberry Cactus plant is a popular cactus species for cultivation because it can add visual interest to landscapes. In addition, it is often used as grafting stock for cacti plants.
Myrtillocactus geometrizans plants are sometimes used in medicine to treat inflammation.
Extracts such as Peniocerol and Chichipegenin have good anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, the plant contains sterols which may stop the growth of some cancer cells.
While this plant is generally non-toxic, it sometimes causes gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is best to keep it out of their reach.
The Whortleberry Cactus plant is also grown commercially for its delicious fruits, which are widely consumed in Mexico.