The Boobie Cactus: Care and Propagation Guide

Myrtillocactus geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku is a rare succulent species that makes a special addition to any houseplant collection. The plant has a stunning shape that resembles the breasts of a lady thus the informal name “breast cactus” or “boobie cactus”. It is a fast-growing cactus equally with low maintenance needs.

Like other desert cacti, this plant is well adapted to drought. It can store water in its succulent stem for longer periods to ensure survival through drought seasons. However, the cactus is not hardy to cold conditions and it may die in temperatures below 24.8 °F (minus 4 °C).

Here is what to know about the boobie cactus plant.

Botanical name	Myrtillocactus geometrizans ‘Fukurokuryuzinboku’
Plant size	Ranges from 24 inches to 4.0 meters high (157 inches) and 10 cm wide.
Sunlight	Mature plants prefer full sun or at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature	Semi-hardy and thrives in temperatures between 60°F to 85 °F.
Soil	Needs well-draining cactus soil with acidic pH.
Toxicity	Not toxic to pets and humans.
Blooming	Produces small white flowers from spring in March to summer.
Propagation	Easy to start new plants from stem cuttings.

Indoor care requirements

Myrtillocactus geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku is typically a large plant that needs enough space to thrive. Although rare to find, you may buy it from your local nursery or garden center. Here’s what this plant needs in terms of care and maintenance.

Sunlight

Mature boobie cactus plant prefers full sun or at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily. Be sure to grow it in a place that meets this light requirement. South windows get lots of direct sunlight from mid-morning to late afternoon thus a suitable spot for the cactus.

Acclimate young cactus plants before introducing them to direct sunlight. Simply expose them gradually to prevent cactus sunburn. In areas without enough sunlight, supplement with artificial grow lights. This will prevent your cactus from growing leggy or leaning on one side as try to access light.

Temperature

Myrtillocactus geometrizans are semi-hardy plants that thrive in average room temperatures between 60-85°F (15-30°C). Cold temperatures below 50°F (10°C) may harm or kill the plant. During the winter, boobie cacti should be kept in a cool, dry place and well protected from cold drafts and frost.

High humidity can be problematic for these plants, as it can lead to fungal growth and rot. It’s important to keep them in a well-ventilated area without overcrowding the plants.

Watering

Watering a cactus is a delicate balance, you have to ensure the plant receives enough moisture without becoming waterlogged. Before watering the boobie cactus, make sure the top inch of the soil is dry. Just insert your finger in the soil to confirm. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days before checking again.

When it’s time to water, give the plant a thorough soaking until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. This not only helps to hydrate the roots properly but also flushes out any accumulated salts in the soil. If you are bottom watering, ensure that water reaches the top.

In either method, allow the excess water to drain out of the pot, and don’t let the plant sit in the water that collects in the saucer for more than 15 minutes. This can cause root rot as a result of roots drowning.

Fertilize

To improve growth, fertilize your cactus every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.  Be sure to follow the instructions labeled on the fertilizer package to determine the appropriate amount to mix.

To avoid overwatering the cactus, use the fertilizer solution in place of plain water. Make sure to water the soil thoroughly after fertilizing so that nutrients can reach the plant roots. Do not fertilize the cactus in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Repotting

It’s important to repot a cactus plant every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. This should be done in the spring when the plant is entering its active growth phase. Repotting helps to provide the cactus with fresh soil, as well as a spacious pot to accommodate its growing roots.

Be sure to use a well-draining soil mix, specifically one formulated for cactuses and succulents. The new pot should be 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot, with drainage holes at the bottom.

When repotting the cactus, it’s important to handle everything carefully. Water the cactus a few hours before repotting to avoid damaging the roots, reduce stress and make it easier to remove the plant from the current pot. If necessary, you may trim the roots to fit in the new pot.

Monitoring

Myrtillocactus geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku is quite resistant to insect pests and fungal infections but regular checks and monitoring of the plant is very essential. It helps detect any problem early enough for appropriate action before the plant is affected.

Boobie cactus propagation

Boobie cactus can be grown from stem cuttings. It is a simple process similar to propagating a prickly pear cactus. Here’s how to do it:

1. Take a stem cutting that is 4-6 inches long and let it sit in a cool place to callus over for a day or two. This will prevent the cut end from rotting.
2. Prepare a well-draining potting mix for cacti or succulents and a pot with drainage holes at the bottom.
3. Insert the stem cutting into the potting mix, making sure that at least 1 inch of the stem is buried in the soil.
4. Water the cutting sparingly, just enough to moisten the soil. Avoid overwatering as this can encourage rot.
5. Place the cutting in a place with bright, indirect light and keep the temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
6. Be patient as it may take several weeks to several months for the cutting to root and grow new shoots or leaves.
7. Once the cutting has rooted, gradually increase the amount of light it receives and stabilize the temperature to what the cactus likes.

Final Thought

Myrtillocactus geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku is a hardy cactus species that can adapt to a wide range of conditions. This makes it a good choice for both seasoned and beginner cactus growers. Just be sure to provide full sun or bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, balanced watering, and low humidity, and the cactus will thrive.

References

• “Indoor Cacti,” Clemson University Cooperative Extension
• “Cacti and Succulents,” Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
• “Cactus, Agave, Yucca and Ocotillo,” The University of Arizona