Garambulo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans)

El Myrtilocactus geometrizans It is an ideal cactus for medium to large gardens, as it has the perfect height and size to be used as a protection hedge, or to achieve some privacy.

It has very curious stems, of a very beautiful color. In addition, it produces flowers that, although they are not usually seen much, are also of very interesting ornamental value.

Origin and characteristics of Myrtilocactus geometrizans

This is an arborescent type cactus endemic to Mexico that receives the name of garambullo. It reaches a height of between 2 and 7 meters, with stems that branch out in such a way that they acquire the appearance of a chandelier.. These stems are between 6 and 12 centimeters in diameter, are made up of 6-8 ribs and are bluish-green in color. About 5-8 short reddish-gray radial spines emerge from the areoles, and one or no central spines that are 1 to 3 centimeters long and gray.

The flowers are about 3,5 centimeters wide, and are yellowish-green or yellowish-white. The fruit is globose, with a color that can be purple, bluish or dark red, and has a purple pulp which is edible. Inside we will find very small black, oval seeds, 1-1,5mm wide.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

The garambullo it is a sun loving plant. It lives in the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico, in areas where it grows always exposed to the rays of the sun. Therefore, in cultivation it is important to put it in such places so that it can have good growth.

We will only put it in semi-shade for a few weeks if it has been a specimen that has been in a protected nursery, and in spring or autumn - depending on when we have bought it - we will gradually accustom it to the sun's rays.

Earth

• Garden: the land must be sandy, with very good drainage. From experience I can tell you that it grows well in clay soils with not too many nutrients, but in these cases it is necessary to control the irrigation a lot.
• Flower pot: During its youthful years it can be had in one with drainage holes and filled with substrates such as the pumice, the akadama or the like.

Subscriber

For a correct development and a healthy defense system, it is highly advisable to pay at Myrtilocactus geometrizans during all the warm months of the year. For this, you can use granulated or powder fertilizers, which are especially suitable for plants that are in the ground, or liquid fertilizers (for sale No products found.) if the cactus is potted. These products have to be specific for this type of plants, although the Blue nitrophoska for example.

Of course, the instructions specified on the packaging must be followed to the letter, otherwise the roots would burn due to excess fertilizer.

Multiplication

It is a plant that multiplies by seeds or cuttings in spring or summer:

Seeds

It is advisable to sow the seeds, for example, in seedling trays, to be able to have them better controlled. Although common pots will also work, or even yogurt glasses once clean and with a perforated base (make small holes with the tip of a knife or scissors).

Then, is filled with quality cactus soil (on sale No products found.), it is watered and finally the seeds are placed a little buried and as far apart as possible.

To avoid the appearance of fungi, you can add a little powdered sulfur, although it is better to use a spray fungicide if it is summer, otherwise the seeds could burn.

Now there will only be place the seedbed outside, in full sun, and keep the substrate moist but not flooded. This way they will germinate in about 5-10 days.

Cuttings

Adult specimens can be multiplied by cuttings without problems. For it, a stem that looks healthy and strong is cut With the help of a previously disinfected hand saw, and then the wound is left to dry for ten days in a dry place protected from the sun.

After that time, it can be planted in pots with pomx, or for example with universal substrate (for sale No products found.) mixed with perlite (for sale No products found.) in equal parts.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring, when the risk of frost has passed.

Plagues and diseases

It is quite resistant in general, but can be attacked by mealybugs in summer, and by fungi like roya if the environment is very humid. Besides, it is also important to watch the snails.

For pests, the diatomaceous earth it is a good treatment, as it is natural and of good efficacy; on the other hand, for fungi nothing like fungicides.

Rusticity

It is able to withstand weak and specific frosts of up to -3ºC, although it prefers milder climates.

Where to buy the Myrtilocactus geometrizans?

It is a plant that you will find for sale in incubators, whether physical or online, at a price of around € 5 a young specimen in a pot of 8,5 to 10,5cm in diameter.

What did you think of this species?