Myrtillocactus geometrizans, also known as blue candle cactus or blue myrtle cactus, is a plant from the Cactaceae family, native to Central and Northern Mexico.

This fast-growing cactus can make a unique indoor plant, but it can also be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a shrubby cactus that can grow up to 16.5 feet (5 meters) tall and just as wide. Its stems are spiky and blueish green in color, with a waxy feel and around 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.

As the plant matures, the stems take a candelabra-like look, with thick clusters growing upwards. This cactus variety also produces edible berries, which are greatly enjoyed as a snack in Mexico.

How to care for Myrtillocactus geometrizans

Let’s take a look at the care and maintenance essentials for Myrtillocactus geometrizans.

– Light requirements

The light requirements for Myrtillocactus geometrizans vary depending on the plant’s age and the time of the year. Younger plants prefer growing in partial shade or filtered sunlight. If you have a mature cactus, you can place it in direct sunlight. This plant is ideal for growing on window sills, especially if you have a room with southern or western exposure.

During winter, both young and mature Myrtillocactus geometrizans plants require less light. This cactus hibernates during the colder months. Place it in a part of the room that receives indirect sunlight until spring.

If you are growing Myrtillocactus geometrizans outdoors or in your garden, the light conditions will change accordingly with the season. As a result, it will naturally receive less light in winter, so you don’t need to worry about relocating it.

– Temperature

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a desert plant, which means that it’s used to drastic changes in temperature throughout the day. When grown indoors, the ideal temperature range is between 70 °F and 95 °F (21 °C to 35 °C). It will need a cooler environment in winter, with temperatures averaging around 55 °F (13 °C).

Myrtillocactus geometrizans can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 °F (-4 °C). However, it’s best to avoid exposing it to freezing temperatures for extended periods, which can permanently damage the plant. When growing this cactus outdoors, ensure that winter temperatures do not drop below 50 °F (10 °C).

– Water requirements

Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a type of desert cactus, which requires little watering. During the summer months, you can water them once every two weeks and allow the soil to dry before watering again. In winter, you can water it as rarely as once a month. The cactus enters a period of dormancy, and as a result, it will need even less water than usual.

Since it has a shallow root system, over-watering Myrtillocactus geometrizans can cause many problems. Ideally, you should allow the soil to dry out in between waterings completely. This plant can tolerate drought, so it will be very forgiving if you forget to water it for a few days. You can use your finger to test whether it needs to be watered. For more accurate results, we highly recommend using a moisture meter.

Keeping a strict watering schedule is crucial for Myrtillocactus geometrizans. What’s more important is making sure that the soil is well-draining. Check our guide for the best soil mix below.

– Humidity

Myrtillocactus geometrizans can be highly sensitive to humidity, which can cause wilting and fungal problems. Ideally, the figure you should aim for is around 30 percent, which is lower than the humidity level in most homes.

If you are growing tropical plants in your home, you should grow this cactus in a separate room. Also, it might be worth investing in a dehumidifier if the moisture levels in your home are above 60 percent.

– Fertilizers

The Myrtillocactus geometrizans cactus is not a heavy feeder. It has very little need for fertilizers. You can use a diluted fertilizer solution to boost its growth during spring and summer but cut back on feeding while the plant is hibernating. Monthly applications of a fertilizer with a nutrient ratio of 5-10-5 are ideal.


Best soil

Like all cactus plants, Myrtillocactus geometrizans prefer growing in sandy soils that are also porous, well-draining, and slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5 to 6.5. The main thing to aim for is excellent drainage, as cacti are particularly sensitive to stagnant water in the soil.

You can use cactus mix for potting your Myrtillocactus geometrizans. One thing that’s worth keeping in mind, though, is that even cactus soil mixes that are commercially available are still fairly water retentive. We recommend amending these soils with a bit of perlite to improve drainage and soil aeration further. You can mix two parts of cactus soil with one part perlite or even pumice for the best results.

Alternatively, you can also make your Myrtillocactus geometrizans soil mix at home.

Here are two ‘recipes’ we suggest trying:

For indoor growth: mix equal parts bark and peat moss to create the base. Combine equal parts of this base with coarse sand and perlite or other perlite substitutes such as vermiculite or pumice.

For outdoor growth: create a soil base by mixing equal parts bark and peat moss. Then, combine one part soil base with equal parts coarse sand and insoluble grit. You can also add a bit of gravel to the mix to further improve drainage. Cactus plants grown in the garden need more soil than indoor plants, which is why using amendments such as perlite or pumice can quickly turn into a very costly affair.

If you can, avoid using compost as a base for your Myrtillocactus geometrizans. Cactus plants grow best in poor soils without too many nutrients. Compost is very rich in nutrients, and as a result, it can burn the roots of the cactus plants.


This cactus will be ship bare root. (No soil or pot)


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