Where it grows
The origin of the Spiral Cactus – Cereus forbesii ‘spiralis’Β – is not fully known, other than that the original cactus was discovered in Peru or possibly Brazil. It is even debatable whether it is actually a Cereus forbesii or another species.
Cuttings were taken from this single plant, and then imported to Europe in the 1980s. These were then propagated vegetatively. Most specimens currently offered in cultivation are likely hybrids of Cereus forbesii ‘spiralis‘ x C. stenogonusΒ that retain the spiral growth form, as no specimens of the true ‘spiralis’ other than the original plant were ever discovered. This means that no new pure strain seed can be produced.
Special features
Cereus forbesii ‘spiralis‘ is commonly known as the Spiral Cactus due to its its corkscrew growth form. It can range from gray-blue to dark green and can reach up to 5 meters tall. Depending on the genetics of the plant, it may have short or slightly longer spines. Flowers are typically white to pink in colour.
Care guide
As with most cacti in the Cereus genus, Cereus forbesii ‘spiralis’ prefers receiving plenty of sunlight, and full morning sun will accentuate its colours well. If kept in a greenhouse, it should not be grown under more than 40% shadecloth. This plant requires a well-drained, gritty soil mix. Give it a decent amount of water in the warmer months of the year, but it is highly important that it does not get any water at all in winter. The best way to water these plants is by placing the pot into a tray of water (in other words, bottom watering), as any water that gets stuck on the corkscrew stem may cause rot.
Growing season
This species of cactus only grows during spring and summer.
Propagation
The Spiral Cactus is generally propagated from cuttings, but can also be grown from seed.
