{"product_id":"crested-blue-candle-cactus-5-gallon","title":"Crested Blue Candle Cactus - Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCrested Blue Candle Cactus \u003cem\u003e(Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata)\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe crested form of the classic Blue Candle, and one of the most sculptural cacti we grow. Instead of rising as a single column, the growing point fans out into thick, folded waves that stack into a dense, coral-like mass. The body carries the same powdery blue farina as the standard species, and fresh growth along the crest edges flushes coral, pink and gold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCresting is a spontaneous natural mutation. It cannot be propagated on demand, and no two crests grow the same way, which is why well-formed pieces at this size are genuinely hard to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDense, multi-headed crest\u003c\/strong\u003e filling a full 5 gallon footprint, not a thin single fan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrong blue farina\u003c\/strong\u003e with coral and pink flush along the actively growing edges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished on its own roots.\u003c\/strong\u003e Not grafted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e in USDA zones 9 through 11, and an excellent container specimen anywhere else.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare at a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun. Acclimate gradually if it has been in shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soak and dry. Water deeply, then wait until the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the only reliable way to kill one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sandy, fast-draining cactus mix with plenty of mineral grit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protect from frost below about 25 F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout crested growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany crested Myrtillocactus eventually push normal columnar stems out of the crest. This is natural reversion, it does not harm the plant, and most growers leave it for the contrast between the smooth blue columns and the folded crest below. You are welcome to remove reverted growth if you prefer a pure fan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#ff0000;\"\u003ePlease note: this plant ships bare root, without soil or a pot. Crest shape, width and branching vary from plant to plant, so yours will not be identical to the photos.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CactusWarehouse","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon Crest Rooted","offer_id":52288385319202,"sku":null,"price":374.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/1506\/2050\/files\/IMG_0876_63fd79e1-face-42e4-b9da-32020ffa4570.jpg?v=1785964112","url":"https:\/\/cactuswarehouse.com\/products\/crested-blue-candle-cactus-5-gallon","provider":"CactusWarehouse","version":"1.0","type":"link"}