Cereus repandus 'Ming Thing' – A Unique Monstrose Cactus

Cereus repandus 'Ming Thing' – A Unique Monstrose Cactus

Cereus repandus 'Ming Thing', formerly known as *Cereus peruvianus 'Ming Thing'*, is a striking monstrose cultivar of *Cereus repandus*. Native to South America, this rare cactus develops fascinating, irregular, knobby growths instead of the typical columnar form, making it a popular collector's plant.

Distinctive Features

• Monstrose Growth: Develops bumpy, twisted, and sculptural blue-green stems.
• Spineless or Minimal Spines: Unlike typical *Cereus* species, 'Ming Thing' has very short or absent spines.
• Compact and Slow-Growing: Ideal for pots, staying small and manageable compared to its towering relatives.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to full sun.
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.
• Humidity: Thrives in dry conditions; avoid excessive moisture.
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures (15-30°C) and is sensitive to frost.
• Fertiliser: Use a diluted cactus fertiliser during the growing season.
• Potting: Requires well-draining soil with sand, perlite, or pumice.
• Propagation: Grown from cuttings; seed propagation is rare due to its mutated growth.

Additional Notes

• A highly sought-after collector's cactus due to its unique growth pattern.
• Perfect for small pots and rock gardens.
• Non-toxic to pets, but its uneven surface can be fragile.

Cereus repandus 'Ming Thing' is a fascinating and rare monstrose cactus with its sculptural, twisted growth. Its low-maintenance care and striking form make it a must-have for cactus collectors and enthusiasts looking for something truly unique.