Browningia hertlingiana

Browningia hertlingiana

You will receive a specimen similar to the one shown here. 
Measures 10" tall!
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Roots as shown.
Will be shipped bare root.  

Browningia hertlingiana, also known as the Blue Cereus or Blue Cactus, is a striking and highly sought-after columnar cactus species.

Origin and Habitat:

• Native to the dry Andean forests of southern Peru, specifically the Mantaro Valley and regions of Huancavelica and Ayacucho.
• Thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, growing on rocky, well-draining soils at high altitudes (1800-2000 meters).
• Adapted to challenging conditions with minimal rainfall and extreme temperature variations.
• While relatively abundant in its preferred habitat, human development and agriculture pose a threat due to the limited growing region. 

Physical Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Treelike, with columnar, few-branched stems that can reach impressive heights of 5-8 meters (16-26 feet).
• Trunk: A single trunk up to 1 meter high, from which several stems arise.
• Stems: Erect, up to 30 cm in diameter, exhibiting a fantastic vivid turquoise blue color when young, transitioning to a pale olive green with age. Requires warm climate and ample light to develop the characteristic blue color.
• Ribs: 18 or more ribs, resolved into tubercles.
• Areoles: Somewhat sunken into the shoots, bearing spines.
• Spines: Dimorphic (different forms in juvenile and mature stems).

• Juvenile Spines: About 5-8 unequal, poorly differentiated spines (1-3 central, 4-6 radial), yellowish-grey, with the longest up to 8 cm.

• Mature Spines (flowering part): Up to 30 bendable, yellowish, bristle-like spines.

• Flowers: Nocturnal, white, up to 5 cm in diameter, blooming in summer, only on plants over 1 meter tall. 

Cultivation:

• Light: Prefers full sun exposure for best growth and appearance.
• Soil: Needs a rich, well-draining substrate, such as a cactus mix or sandy loam. Avoid excess humidity to prevent root rot.
• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season (spring/summer), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
• Temperature: Needs warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C for short periods if kept dry.
• Fertilizing: Use a cactus-specific fertilizer, particularly during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
• Propagation: Primarily by seed, as branches are not suitable for cuttings or grafting. Sow seeds in well-draining, sandy soil during spring. Germination can be erratic. 

Additional Notes:

• Sought after by collectors for its beautiful blue frosty covering on juvenile specimens.
• One of the few really blue cacti.
• Resistant to heat and verticillium wilt.
• Generally hardy and relatively pest-free when grown in good conditions.
• Requires careful watering to prevent root rot.