Among the succulent plants we are familiar with, there is a rather unique variety that twists and turns as it grows upward, often referred to by plant enthusiasts as a "Spiral". In fact, it is a variant of the Cereus Mill. After a mutation in Cereus genus, it grows in a twisted manner, forming a distinct variety known as the spiralis. Its care is similar to that of the regular Cereus, but many plant enthusiasts may be hesitant to care for it due to its relatively high price. Today, we'll teach you how to care for it.
It belongs to the cactus family, not the sedum family like many succulent plants we know. It falls under the cactus family, so its care should follow the practices suitable for cacti, an area where we have a lot of expertise because we have cared for many cacti. After purchasing, don't rush to plant it. The first thing to do is to trim its roots. Cut off all the fine roots and keep only the thick ones. If the thick roots are too long, trim them appropriately. Then place it in a well-ventilated area with filtered sunlight and let it air dry for about a week. During this drying process, it is normal for it to appear wilted and soft. Once it has dried sufficiently, with the wounds healed, you can proceed to plant it.
When planting, make sure to use well-aerated soil. We usually choose a mix of cinder and peat in a 1:1 ratio. You can use half granules and half decomposed leaf soil, preparing a 1:1 ratio mix. Use a smaller, well-ventilated pot, such as a clay pot or red pottery pot; avoid using deep pots for cultivation. Plant it in the moist soil with a water content of around 30% to 50%, and after planting, place it in a well-ventilated area with filtered sunlight. Wait for two to three days before watering it. Afterward, remember to check the moisture level on the soil surface with your hand. When it feels dry and is about halfway dry, water it again. This way, it will gradually develop its root system in the moist soil. Once the roots are established, the main stem will gradually regain firmness and fullness, and the top will start growing. Gradually move it to the sunniest spot and provide occasional fertilization.
As long as the root system of the body is well-established, when cultivating it at home, be sure to place it in the sunniest location, as it thrives on light. If it lacks light, it will grow tall and lose its attractive appearance. For watering, as long as the root system is well-developed, water thoroughly and let it dry out before watering again. Fertilize it regularly and in moderate amounts. Since it grows slowly, you don't need to use too much fertilizer. Once a month should be sufficient. Use a balanced, multi-element nutrient solution or a quick-acting fertilizer. However, avoid using a concentration that is too high to prevent any issues. If well cared for, it will grow rapidly. When the root system is well-established and it has grown sufficiently tall, it may even bloom with beautiful pink and white flowers. If you appreciate unique and eccentric plants, consider cultivating a Spiralis at home for a stunning display.
You can visit here to buy Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' at a reasonable price.