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!
Find out more about cristata on our blog post 'Fascinating Facts About Cristation, Fasciation & Cristata'
Scientific Name
Monvillea spegazzinii cristata (Monville's plant, Spegazzini's species, with comb-like edges)
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.
