Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’

spiral cactus
Choice collector’s plant makes twisting columnar heads, each perfectly spiraled! White flowers with hints of pink. Needs well drained soil.
height 6–12ft
width 4–10ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots
water
needs
Low
water
info
Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your cactus doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry water it.

This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.

Protect from extended winter rains and cold weather.
hardy
to
28F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin E Bolivia
california
native
No
sunset
zones
13, 16, 17, 21–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Easily propagated by cutting a section, allowing it to dry completely and then planting in pure pumice. Keep warm during rooting and then replant into cactus mix.

Special Interest

Fun story: Years ago a friend of ours just HAD to have this plant and ordered a whole flat of Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’ from Argentina. When they arrived and started growing here in the northern hemisphere, all his cactuses switched the direction of their spirals!