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Description
Acanthocereus Tetragonus, also known as Triangle Cactus or Fairy Castle Cactus, is a columnar cactus plant that is native to the Caribbean islands and parts of Florida. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its unique shape and striking appearance.This cactus plant has a green stem with four to six sides that form a triangle shape. It can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide, making it a great addition to any garden or indoor space. The stem is covered in small spines that are harmless to the touch, and it produces beautiful white, pink, or yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Acanthocereus |
| Species | Tetragonus |
Appearance
Acanthocereus Tetragonus is a unique cactus plant that stands out from other cacti due to its triangle shape. The stem is green and has four to six sides that form a sharp angle, giving it a distinct appearance. The stem can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide, making it a great focal point in any garden or indoor space.The stem is covered in small spines that are harmless to the touch, but it’s still important to handle the plant carefully. The spines can be easily removed with a soft brush or cloth. The plant produces beautiful white, pink, or yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months.
Care Guide
Acanthocereus Tetragonus is an easy-to-care-for cactus plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some essential care tips to keep your plant healthy and happy:Water: Water your plant deeply once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter). Make sure the soil is dry before watering again.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the dormant season.Soil: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix for your plant. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage.Sunlight: Acanthocereus Tetragonus loves bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the plant.Hardiness Zones: This cactus plant is tolerant of a range of temperatures and can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acanthocereus Tetragonus is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be susceptible to some common issues. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest your plant and suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs.Scale insects: These small, oval insects can attach themselves to the stem of your plant and suck the sap, causing the plant to weaken and lose vitality. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove scale insects.Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the roots of your plant to rot, leading to wilting and death. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Acanthocereus Tetragonus is native to the Caribbean islands and parts of Florida, where it grows in dry, rocky habitats. It can also be found in gardens and indoor spaces around the world due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Acanthocereus Tetragonus?
A: Water your plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season.Q: How can I tell if my Acanthocereus Tetragonus is getting too much sunlight?
A: If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow or brown, it may be getting too much sunlight. Move it to a location with less direct sunlight.Q: Can Acanthocereus Tetragonus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this cactus plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and is not overwatered.Q: Can Acanthocereus Tetragonus be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate this cactus plant from cuttings. Allow the cutting to dry out for several days before planting in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related cactus plants that you may also enjoy:- Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)- Opuntia microdasys (Bunny Ear Cactus)- Ferocactus latispinus (Devil’s Tongue Barrel Cactus)- Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (Moon Cactus)
References
– “Acanthocereus tetragonus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287818&isprofile=0&.- “Acanthocereus tetragonus.” Plant Care Today, 20 Oct. 2020, plantcaretoday.com/acanthocereus-tetragonus.- “Triangle Cactus.” Costa Farms, www.costafarms.com/plants/triangle-cactus.
