How to Care for a Cereus Tetragonus

Cereus tetragonus is a native American cactus that reaches 6 feet at maturity. It's a slow-growing cactus, though, with tall, thin columns of succulent growth covered in spines. Suited to growing outdoors in zones 10 and above on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map, it is often grown as a houseplant and adapts well to the indoor environment. Choose a draft-free area in which to place the Cereus tetragonous and provide it with sunshine or light shade.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Peat moss
• Loam
• Fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Plant the Cereus tetragonus in a mixture of 2 parts sand to 1 part peat moss and 1 part loam.

   • 2

     Water the Cereus tetragonus until the water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Give the plant half the amount of water in the winter.

   • 3

     Fertilize the Cereus tetragonus with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, diluted to half the strength recommended on the package. Apply the fertilizer once a month while the cactus is growing. Discontinue in the winter.

   • 4

     Keep winter temperatures at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above.