Cereus forbesii monstrose 'Ming Thing'

Hardiness Zone

Ming Thing thrives in USDA Zones 9a–11b, tolerating brief drops near 25–30°F. Sustained freezes can damage or kill it, so if you live in a colder climate, grow it in a container and bring it indoors when temperatures dip below freezing. Indoors, keep it in a bright spot away from drafts to maintain warmth.

After Arrival Care

Unpack & Inspect – Carefully remove any wrapping. Check for broken stems or soft, mushy spots—trim these if necessary.

Potting (If Bare-Root) – Use a well-draining cactus mix. Place the cactus in a snug pot with a drainage hole. Avoid watering right away.

Acclimate – Keep it in bright, indirect light for the first week to prevent sunburn.

First Watering – Wait about 5–7 days before watering deeply. This allows any minor root damage to heal.

Watering

Follow the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. In active growing seasons (spring and summer), this might mean watering every 1–2 weeks, but always check soil dryness first. In winter, the cactus may go semi-dormant—reduce watering to once a month or less. Overwatering is the most common issue, causing mushy stems and rot. If in doubt, wait an extra few days before watering again.

Sunlight

Ming Thing prefers bright light with at least 4–6 hours of sun daily. Outdoors, give it morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in very hot climates. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window. Gradually increase sun exposure if the plant was previously in low light, as sudden intense rays can burn the knobs. Too little light leads to stretching (etiolation), so aim for a sunny spot to keep it compact.

Soil & Pots

Use a well-draining cactus mix—one with plenty of coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. A pot with a drainage hole is crucial. Terracotta is often recommended because it allows excess moisture to evaporate faster than plastic or glazed ceramic. Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the cactus to avoid excess soil staying wet.

Cuttings vs. Rooted Plants

Cuttings (Offsets): If an offset breaks off, let the cut end callous for a few days. Then plant it in dry soil and wait another week before the first light watering. Gradually move to a normal watering routine once roots form.

Rooted Plants: Already have established roots, so simply pot them and wait about a week before the first thorough watering. From there, follow standard cactus care.

Common Problems

Overwatering – Causes soft, translucent stems or black rot. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly, and trim off any decayed parts if needed.

Underwatering – Results in wrinkled, shrunken bumps. A deep soak will re-plump them.

Etiolation – Thin, elongated growth from insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot.

Pests – Look for mealybugs in crevices. Remove with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Growth & Repotting

Ming Thing grows slowly, forming coral-like mounds up to a few inches tall and wide. Repot every 2–3 years or only when it outgrows its pot. Pick a container just one size bigger and use fresh cactus mix. Avoid watering for about a week after repotting, giving any root wounds time to heal.

FAQ

Q: Does it flower?

A: Rarely. If it does, expect small white night-blooming flowers on mature plants.

Q: Is it poisonous to pets?

A: Generally considered non-toxic, but supervise pets to avoid them chewing on spines.

Q: Can I grow it indoors year-round?

A: Yes! Just provide a sunny window or a strong grow light.

Q: How do I handle offsets?

A: Let broken pieces callous, then place them in dry soil—water sparingly until rooted.

With minimal watering, plenty of light, and a fast-draining potting mix, Cereus forbesii monstrose ‘Ming Thing’ can be a fascinating, low-maintenance addition to your cactus collection!