This fascinating-looking cactus is great for collectors and easy for plant novices to care for too! It needs plenty of light and not much water, and will reward your care with healthy blue-green to pinkish growth, and if it's really happy, with flowers in summer! The cristation, or fasciation, at the ends of its stems is both a fascinating biological process and unusual and eyecatching in appearance. Take care of this plant and it will reward you with its standout foliage!
Monvillea spegazzinii has recently changed Genus, so it is now more correctly known under the scientific name Cereus spegazzinii.
Common Name Nightblooming Cereus, Moonlight Cactus
Origin Native to Argentina
Light Direct sunlight is best for this plant; it will even love a South-facing window in summer! Any windowsill that gets direct sun will be good for this plant, and the brighter, the better! Water Allow the soil to totally dry out between waters; reduce water further in autumn and winter. Over winter the cactus will be dormant so just needs enough water to stop it shrinking and no more.
Humidity This plant is used to arid environments so does not need to be in a humid environment. Soil Use a well-draining soil so this cactus never has soggy roots. A mix with added sand and grit, or one designed for cacti and succulents, will work well here. Repot each year while it is young, but once it's a mature plant, only repot when it's outgrowing its pot.
Food Feed regularly in summer (every few waters), and don't feed in winter when the plant is dormant. Temperature Ideal temperature is 18-32°C; make sure it does not get colder than 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips This plant is a desert cactus, so the key is plenty of light and not much water! Make sure it is planted in well-draining soil too as this will help you keep its roots dry and not soggy.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.