Cactus plants can look pretty weird. But when a species looks strange among other cacti, it’s on a whole new level, and the boobie cactus qualifies!
Thanks to its strange appearance, this plant will make a statement in any room, even stealing the show from much bigger plants, thanks to the ribs on this cactus that look shockingly similar to the breasts of a woman.
Interested in growing your breast cactus? Not sure if it will survive in your home, or if your green thumb is up to the challenge? Here’s everything you need to know to get it to thrive.
At A Glance: What You Should Know About The Boobie Cactus
The Boobie Cactus is a mutated form of the Blue Candle cactus, also known as Myrtillocactus geometrizans.
When a plant grows like this (differently from the normal species), this is called a monstrose form.
For the Boobie Cactus, the monstrose formation is the shape of the ribs that look like breasts, whereas the areoles on the original, Blue Candle plant are much flatter in comparison, but they both grow on a long, upright stem.
The biggest difference is the appearance of both plants, as the care is virtually the same.
While the Blue Candle cactus comes from the Central and Northern parts of Mexico, ‘Fukurokuryuzinboku’ is a cultivated plant that was developed in Japan, and you won’t see it in the wilds of Mexico.
You might also see it labeled as the Blue Myrtle Cactus, Breast Cactus, or Titty Cactus. It can reach up to 24 inches tall, and it’s not considered toxic to people or pets, though you may still want to keep it out of reach.
Both this variety’s unusual and novel looks as well as its easy-care nature means that this plant is always popular!
How To Care For The Boobie Cactus
As a desert cactus, this plant doesn’t need a lot of attention from you, but that doesn’t mean that you should leave it alone entirely.
Try to maintain a careful balance between the water, light, temperature, and soil elements of care, and this plant will thrive.
Sunlight And Position
If you take a look at the native conditions of the species, you’ll have some idea of what this plant needs in terms of light.
This plant needs a bright position to thrive, within a foot of a window if possible, otherwise, the plant will start to stretch, and lose its characteristic shape!
The Boobie Cactus can take some direct sunlight, but like all plants, you need to know where its limits are.
This plant will let you know pretty soon if it’s in too much light, as you may notice brown spots or yellowing along the stem, in which case, move it to a different spot.
In terms of temperature, average household temperatures will be fine, as long as you keep this plant out of drafts or sources of heat.
It’s not necessary to try and improve humidity for this plant, as it’s not used to high humidity in its native environment, so too much humidity can cause fungal diseases, or even cause the plant to rot completely.
Ideal Soil For Myrtillocactus Geometrizans
Like many cacti, this plant needs very sharp drainage. The best way to mimic its native conditions where water drains very quickly is to give it a mixture of soil and horticultural grit, perlite, or pumice.
Use equal parts cacti-specific compost and your chosen material, making sure you mix it well. A top dressing of grit can make the difference, locking in the moisture it needs while helping to prevent pests.
When To Water The Boobie Cactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans is not demanding when it comes to water, as you might imagine!
This plant has its backup storage of water for very dry periods, but you will still need to water it occasionally.
But exactly when you should water it depends on the other growing conditions. If, for instance, you give it a very sunny windowsill with lots of direct light, and well-draining soil, you’ll need to keep a closer eye on it, as the soil will dry out much faster.
Aim to water your Boobie Cactus when the soil has nearly dried out completely, and exactly how long this will take will depend on the size of the pot and the other growing conditions.
When it comes to watering in winter, you’ll want to scale this back, as the plant will go dormant, and it will need very little.
Give the plant an occasional feed using a cacti-specific fertilizer, following the instructions on the label.
Can You Propagate A Boobie Cactus?
The only real way to propagate a Boobie Cactus is through stem cuttings. Seeds will not give you this mutated variety and will result in a normal Blue Candle Cactus.
Boobie Cactus: Problems To Watch Out For
Root rot, caused by the soil being too wet for too long, is the most common problem, so always check the soil before watering.
You may also see etiolation, where the plant stretches towards the light if it is in too dark a position, making the growth deformed.
In terms of pests, keep an eye out for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
Final Thoughts
The Boobie Cactus is a popular plant for a reason, as it’s easy to grow and looks fantastic.
It can be a little difficult to source, as this is not a plant many people want to chop and prop, as it ruins the look of the main plant!
