Cereus forbesii is part of the Cactaceae family and is native to South America. It is thought that Cereus forbesii 'Spiralis' corkscrew shape was originally a mutation, the plant was then cloned and is now a popular cultivar. It is a trunkless cactus that produces multiple, blue-green, spiralled stems. Stems have between 5-9 ribs and this species is considered a heavy bloomer, producing huge beautiful white flowers between June and August. The blooms only open at night and span 2-4" wide.
Genus name comes from the Latin cereus meaning "waxen, waxy," from cera meaning "wax", this is in reference to its columnar shape, like a wax candle. The specific epithet is pseudo-Latin for any naturalist with the surname Forbes.
Light: Cereus forbesii needs to see the sun for as many hours of the day as possible; the plant ought to be able to see sun from where it is positioned in the home. Between 5-8 hours of direct sun is optimum for this plant to thrive; a south facing window ledge is ideal.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out completely in between waterings then water thoroughly, fully saturating the soil. These plants are incredibly drought tolerant.
Potting mix: A well draining mix, something gritty and sharply draining composed primarily of inorganic material such as clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat/coco coir.
You can amend regular potting mix with sand and fine pumice up to 50% to improve texture and drainage.
Fertilising: Cereus forbesii are not heavy feeders but you can feed once a month in the summer.
Temperature: 21-27˚C. They are also cold hardy providing the substrate isn't wet.
Humidity: Low humidity and good air circulation.
Cereus forbesii are non-toxic.