Creeping Devil (Stenocereus eruca) is a low-growing, branching cactus native to northwestern Mexico, known for its creeping growth habit and spiny stems.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to bright indirect
75% intensity
Prefers several hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate bright indirect light.
Sparse
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter.
Well-draining, sandy or gritty soil
50% intensity
Warm to moderate
75% intensity
Ideal temperatures are between 20-30°C. Can tolerate brief dips, but protect from frost.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season only.
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
Water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, especially in cooler months.
Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its natural arid environment. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pruning is generally not necessary for aesthetic reasons as the plant naturally forms a creeping habit. If stems become too long or damaged, they can be cut back to the base using a sterile knife or pruners.
This also aids in propagation.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for several days before planting in well-draining soil.
Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks when kept in warm conditions and bright, indirect light. Water sparingly until roots form.
Repot infrequently, only when the plant has outgrown its container or the soil has become depleted. This is typically every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix.
Repot in spring, after the main growing season has begun.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Creeping Devil (Stenocereus eruca)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Stenocereus |
| Species | Stenocereus eruca |
Similar in genus Stenocereus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
