Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku'

Botanical Name —  Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku'
Common Name — Boob Cactus
Plant Family — Cactaceae

Bring One Home

Background
Myrtillocactus geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku is a monstrose cultivar of the more commonly seen Myrtillocactus geometrizans, but this Cactus has more unusual shaped ribs along with areoles that resemble nipples making this cactus appear like it has little breasts, hence the popular nickname, ‘The Boob Cactus’. Myrtillocactus geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku'  is a nursery produced cultivar which is rare and collectable amongst enthusiasts. The original natural habitat of this species is northern central Mexico down to Oaxaca.

Growth Requirements

Sun

• These cacti prefer lots of sun, at least five hours of direct sun daily. Young plants may need shade protection from afternoon sun.
• Indoors a south facing window is ideal. Outdoors seat them in a place where they will get plenty of sun exposure, but protect them from intense, peak afternoon sun.

• These plants are semi- hardy. Prefers a cool or warm climate where temperatures remain between 60 F to 80 F.  Best to bring indoors when the temperature falls below 50 F.  If kept in a cooler in the dormant months, can help encourage blooms when active.

• Myrtillocactus prefers to stay on the dry side. In the summer water them only when the soil has dried out entirely. Always err on the side of underwatering. They are built to withstand drought, and overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill them.
• During the winter water very infrequently, if at all. It’s safe to cut back on watering entirely. Water should be restricted to only enough to keep the stems and branches from shrivelling.

• They prefer a gritty, sharply draining mix. A cactus mix would work fine. You can amend it with sand or fine pumice up to 50% to improve grittiness and drainage. 

• If grown in optimal conditions, small cream colour flowers can appear during the summer.

• You can fertilize during the spring and summer months to give them a boost or refresh their soil. Apply a balanced cactus fertilizer diluted at half strength, once a month. 

• Propagation can be done by cuttings in summer.  Let cutting callus before planting.  Make sure that it is kept warm and dry to root.

Health

Diseases

• Myrtillocactus are not especially susceptible to pests or diseases. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, mealy bugs, and scale. 
• Root rot can be a common issue in the instance of overwatering. 

• Its best to re pot these cacti during their active growing period in Spring and Summer and only when the plant has outgrown its pot, as with all cacti it's far better to under pot rather than over pot because too much soil around their roots can stay damp for too long and may encourage the chances of root rot.

• Myrtillocactus are not known to be toxic to humans or pets.