Cactus Blue Candle

Cactus Plant Details

• Family: Cactaceae

• Common Names

•  Blue Candle cactus, Myrtle Cactus,Bilberry Cactus,Whortleberry Cactus,Blue Flame Cactus

• Plant Type: Succulent plant, evergreen, perennial.

• Appearance: Thick, fleshy stems that store water; many have spines instead of leaves. Shapes vary – columnar, round, or clustered.

• Flowers: Brightly colored, usually pink, red, yellow, orange, or white; often bloom seasonally.

• Varieties: Over 1,500 species, including Opuntia (Prickly Pear), Mammillaria, Echinopsis, and Gymnocalycium.

 Care of Cactus Plants

1. Sunlight

   • Needs bright sunlight (4–6 hours daily).

   • Best near windowsills or in outdoor sunny spots.

2. Watering

   • Follow “soak and dry” method – water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry completely before watering again.

   • In summer: every 1–2 weeks.

   • In winter: very little (once a month or less). Overwatering can cause root rot.

3. Soil

   • Use well-draining soil – cactus or succulent potting mix.

   • Add sand, perlite, or small gravel for aeration.

4. Fertilizer

   • During growing season (spring–summer): feed once a month with diluted liquid fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium).

   • Avoid fertilizing in winter (dormant period).

5. Potting/Repotting

   • Use clay/terracotta pots with drainage holes.

   • Repot every 2–3 years or when outgrowing its pot.

 Uses of Cactus Plants

1. Ornamental

   • Popular as indoor plants, table décor, balcony plants, and desert-style landscaping.

   • Unique shapes and flowers add beauty to homes and offices.

2. Air Purification

   • Some cacti absorb carbon dioxide at night (unlike most plants), making them suitable for bedrooms.

3. Edible & Medicinal Uses

   • Opuntia (Prickly Pear) pads and fruits are edible (used in Mexican cuisine).

   • Used in traditional medicine for controlling blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion.

4. Drought Resistance

   • Ideal for xeriscaping (low-water gardening).

5. Spiritual & Feng Shui

   • Believed to absorb negative energy and provide protection.

   • In Vastu/Feng Shui, small indoor cacti are placed in certain directions for good luck.