Acanthocereus tetragonus - Fairy Castle (WA Prohibited)

Acanthocereus tetragonus, commonly sold under the name 'Fairy Castle Cactus', is a columnar cactus native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America, where it inhabits dry, scrubby landscapes. This cultivated form develops many upright, branching stems with five distinct ribs, creating dense clusters that resemble the turrets of a castle. Stems are green and bear small clusters of short spines along the ribs. In the wild, mature plants can reach several metres in height and produce large, nocturnal white flowers, although flowering is uncommon in cultivated 'Fairy Castle' plants kept in pots.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright light to full sun; indoor plants should be kept at the sunniest window.
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry fully between applications; very drought tolerant once established.
• Media: Use a sandy, free-draining cactus mix to avoid excess moisture around roots.
• Fertiliser: Feed lightly during the warmer months with a diluted cactus fertiliser.
• Temperature: Warmth is preferred; protect from frost and extended cold periods below 10 °C.
• Repotting: Repot every few years to refresh soil and allow space for branching growth.