Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru)

El Cereus jamacaru It is a very special cactus, since it is not the typical one that we would find in a region that is almost always dry. Although it does not like to have its roots waterlogged, it is not one of those who can withstand long periods of drought like others. But this, when we talk about this type of plant, carries a small inconvenience as a companion: it needs protection against frost.

And it is that cacti that live in the same conditions as our protagonist have not evolved to withstand low temperatures since there are none in their natural habitats. For this reason, take care of a Cereus jamacaru it may not be as easy as you might think.

Origin and characteristics of Cereus jamacaru

It is a columnar cactus endemic to Brazil, specifically we find it, among other Brazilian states, in Rio Grande do Norte, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco. It receives the common name of mandacaru, and it is a plant that with the passage of time it reaches up to 9 meters in height. The stems are rather thin, no more than 15 centimeters, although the main trunk does exceed 40 centimeters.

It is a thorny plant. It has 5 to 7 radial spines 1,5 centimeters long, and 2 to 4 central spines that are 8 to 20 centimeters long. The flowers only appear in mature specimens, and are up to 25 centimeters long. They are white in color, and when pollinated they produce a reddish fruit about 10 centimeters long that contains numerous small seeds.

Caring for the Cereus jamacaru

The mandacaru is an interesting plant to have in a garden. It has a rapid growth rate when the weather is warm, and during the flowering season it fills with flowers. Although it is true that we will have to protect it if there are frosts, the rest of the year it will grow very well outside.

In addition, it does not usually have serious pest problems or diseases. But beware: this does not mean that you cannot have them. And is that if we water more than necessary, or if the soil is very compact and does not allow water to pass, then pathogenic fungi could cause serious problems. Therefore, let's see how it takes care:

Climate

Would you like to have it out all year? If so, keep in mind that ideally, it should not drop below 0 degrees. It is possible that the adult and acclimatized specimens can withstand weak and sporadic frosts of up to -2ºC, but we do not recommend exposing it to those temperatures without protection.

Location

• Exterior: it will be fine in a rockery for example, or in a pot, but always in a sunny area, or at least one where there is a lot of light.
• Interior: if you have it at home, you will find a room with lots of light; that is, one that looks good during the day without the need to turn on a lamp.

Soil or substrate

• Garden: it is important that the soil is sandy and light. In this way, the drainage will be correct for the Cereus jamacaru.
• Flower pot: fill it with a mixture of equal parts of black peat and perlite. An alternative could be cactus substrate, but it must be of high quality (such as No products found.).

Irrigation

Irrigation will be scarce, but something more frequent than the one we would give to another cactus. Namely, during spring, and especially in summer, we will water it once a week. If it is the case that there is a forecast of rain or that it rains when we have to water it, we will not water it because with the rainwater it will have more than enough.

If you are going to grow it in a pot, it is not a good idea to put a plate under it. Think that when you water, the water will go down and stay in the dish. If not removed, the roots will rot over time and die.

Subscriber

The subscriber of Cereus jamacaru it will be done throughout the spring and summer. Use a cactus fertilizer, preferably liquid (such as No products found.), after reading the instructions on the package, since it is important not to exceed the recommended dose since it would put the plant at risk.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds and cuttings. The right time is spring, once it has established itself and the cold has been left behind.

• Seeds: the seeds of the mandacaru are very small, so they should be sown in pots with soil for cacti, trying not to bury them too much. In fact, it is best to put them on the surface of the substrate, and pour a little substrate on top. Put the seedbed outside, in a bright area, and keep the soil moist.
• Cuttings: pieces of at least 30 centimeters will be cut. Afterwards, they will be left to dry in semi-shade for a week, and finally they will be planted in pots with a diameter of about 20 centimeters, with peat mixed with perlite in equal parts.

Transplant

If you want to plant it in the garden, do it when it's done rooting in the pot, that is, when the roots come out through the drainage holes, and when it is spring.

In case of having it in a pot, the Cereus jamacaru will need a larger one every 2 or 3 years.

Plagues and diseases

It is sturdy, but may have mealybugs on the stems, aphids in flower buds, or even fungi such as the phytophthora or the roya. For this reason, it is necessary that it be well watered and fertilized, as this will minimize the risk of ending up with some.

Rusticity

It does not support frost.

What did you think of the Cereus jamacaru?