Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Eulychnia castanea ''Varispiralis', commonly known as Unicorn Cactus.

This plant belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to Chile. The Unicorn Cactus is a unique specimen known for its spiral growth habit. Cacti are great plants for busy humans because they require minimal care and maintenance. This species is very slow growing making it great for small spaces.

Let’s talk about care. Start by finding the sunniest spot in your home. Cactus want to live in bright, direct light which is usually in a South facing window. Supplement your light with the Mossify LED Plant Light during the short days of our winter months. If you are plan to grow your plant outside for the summer, make sure to acclimate to full sun before exposing it to the intense rays of summer. When its time to repot, cactus love a sharp draining, gritty mix. We recommend the Sol Soils Cactus Mix. Cacti do not like to sit in damp soil. Allow soil to dry completely between watering especially during the winter months when plant growth has slowed down. Give your plant a good soak when completely dry. Cacti do sometimes experience pests such as mealy bugs, scale, fungus gnats, and spider mites. Check your plant each time you water to catch these pesky buggers before they take over. Keep a bottle of Eight Houseplant Insect Spray on hand for easy treatment. Fertilize your Unicorn Cactus monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with Schultz Cactus Food to encourage optimal growth.

Eulychnia castanea 'Varispiralis' is available at Tonkadale in 4” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy planting!