Adorn the coffee table with this quirky Boobie Cactus and awestruck your guests with its unique appearance!
Native to Mexico, the peculiar Boobie Cactus is prized for its distinct shape and unique appearance. The best part is you don’t have to spend a lot of your time end effort nurturing this quirky beauty. Here’s an extensive Boobie Cactus Care Guide to help you out!
Boobie Cactus Plant Description
Member of Cactaceae family, Myrtillocactus geometrizans is popular as Boobie Cactus, which certainly is not a mystery—look at the picture! The succulent is characterized by undulating, blue-green ribbed stems that resemble the breasts of a woman. Additionally, the curvaceous surface displays areoles bearing clusters of small, sharp, black spines at regular intervals replicating nipples, adding to the plant’s quirkiness.
Small white to cream-colored flowers emerge from the areoles in spring and summer, followed by the development of edible, purple, berry-like fruits. Growing to a height of 1.5 to 2 feet and striking morphology, the Boobie Cactus makes for a popular ornamental plant in indoor desert gardens!
Are Boobie Cactus Rare?
If you aren’t getting your hands on the Boob Cactus and wondering if it is rare, let us tell you the succulent is not rare in its native habitat of Mexico and can easily be seed growing on arid, rocky slopes and desert scrublands. However, outside of its native range, the plant may be less common or seen as an unusual addition to indoor gardens and succulent collections.
Boobie Cactus Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Myrtillocactus geometrizans is via seeds. However, you must remember that the plant might take long to propagate, so get a well-grown plant from the nursery and nurture it at home!
- Obtain fresh Boobie Cactus Seeds either by harvesting from ripe fruit or purchasing from a reputable supplier.
- Prepare a well-draining cactus soil mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice.
- Fill a shallow tray or pot with the soil mix and moisten it with water.
- Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil, spacing them 3-4 inches apart.
- Gently press the seeds into the soil without burying them.
- Cover the tray or pot with a clear plastic cover or plastic wrap to maintain humidity.
Place the tray in a bright, warm location, and wait for a few weeks until you see the cactus growing.
Boobie Cactus Growing Requirements
Light
Boobie Cactus requires ample bright, indirect light to maintain its distinctive shape and healthy growth. Position your cactus near a south or west-facing window, where it can receive plenty of natural sunlight. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the plant and cause damage to its sensitive tissues.
If your indoor space lacks sufficient natural light, supplement it with a full-spectrum, grow light. Place the grow light 12-18 inches above the cactus, and provide 12-14 hours of light daily to mimic natural sunlight.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is crucial for Myrtillocactus geometrizans to prevent root rot and other issues related to excessive moisture. Use a commercial cactus mix or create your own blend by combining equal parts of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. It will ensure that the soil drains quickly and efficiently, providing the ideal growing medium for your cactus.
Water
Being a succulent, the Boob Cactus is drought-tolerant but appreciates regular watering during the active growing season from spring to early autumn. To prevent overwatering, allow the medium to dry out completely in between waterings. Keep an eye on the top layer of the medium and do the needful.
Reduce watering frequency significantly during the winter, allowing the soil to remain dry for extended periods. Refrain from overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Temperature
Boobie Cactus prefers warm temperatures during the day, with an ideal range of 50-70°F (10-21°C). The plant is not tolerant of cool temperatures. However, when the plant enters dormancy, you can lower the temperature to 40°F (14°C) to encourage healthy dormancy and prevent etiolation, which is the stretching and weakening of the plant due to insufficient light.
Humidity
The Boobie Cactus can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, with average indoor humidity usually sufficient for its needs. Provide the plant with 30-40% humidity to ensure proper plant growth.
If the humidity is too high, improve air circulation around the plant by using a small fan or by regularly opening windows. If your cactus is placed in a terrarium or enclosed space, ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent excessive humidity buildup.
Boobie Cactus Care
Fertilizer
Boob Cactus benefits from regular fertilization during the active growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once every four to six weeks from spring through early autumn. Avoid over-feeding the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and potential root damage.
Also, keep from fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant’s nutrient requirements are reduced during dormancy, and might lead to salt burn in the medium.
Pests and Diseases
Boob Cactus are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, common pests may include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Remove them by spraying insecticidal soil or neem oil solution on the affected spots or introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
Clean the ribbed stems with a cotton pad dipped in insecticidal solution or rubbing alcohol and wipe out any cottony patches or dust accumulation. Also, refrain from overwatering and maintain proper ventilation to keep fungal issues at bay.
Where to Buy Boobie Cactus
While it can be difficult to find this specific type of cactus in local plant nurseries or garden centers, there are a variety of online retailers that offer Boobie Cactus for Sale.
Some popular online plant shops and marketplaces, such as Etsy and Amazon, offer Boobie Cactus Seed and plants for purchase. Research the seller and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are receiving a healthy and authentic plant. Additionally, specialized succulent and cactus nurseries, both online and in-person, may carry this succulent.
