Water
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of rot. Water thoroughly when dry, ensuring good drainage.
Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot.
Also known as Spiral Cactus
Cereus forbesii is a columnar cactus native to South America, featuring ribbed stems and nocturnal white flowers. It's a striking specimen plant for arid gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for best growth and flowering. Can tolerate some shade but may become leggy.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly when dry, and reduce in winter.
Sandy, Well-draining
50% intensity
Warm to Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures are between 18-25°C during the growing season. Can tolerate cooler temperatures (around 10°C) in winter dormancy.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season only. Do not fertilize in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of rot. Water thoroughly when dry, ensuring good drainage.
Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period to prevent root rot.
Pruning is generally not required for Cereus forbesii unless you need to control its size or shape, or remove dead or damaged stems. Use a clean, sharp knife or saw to make cuts.
Allow cuts to callus over before watering.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining cactus mix. Keep slightly moist and warm until roots form, usually within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, with drainage holes. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cereus Forbesii (Cereus forbesii)
Where Cereus Forbesii (Cereus forbesii) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cereus |
| Species | Cereus forbesii |
Similar in genus Cereus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
