Short-Spine Cereus jamacaru: Origin, Key Differences, How to Grow & Care, Flowering and Fruiting

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Plant and Garden › Short-Spine Cereus jamacaru: Origin, Key Differences, How to Grow & Care, Flowering and Fruiting

Short-spined Cereus jamacaru—now popular among collectors—originates from the standard long-spined form of Cereus jamacaru. Let’s get to know this striking cactus.

 

 

Origin of the Short-Spined Jamacaru

• The original species, Cereus jamacaru, is native to Brazil, especially tropical and semi-arid regions such as the Cerrado and Caatinga in northeastern Brazil.
• The short-spined form (often called “Short Spine”) is a natural mutation or a result of human selection, emphasizing unusual traits like:
  • Very short spines or almost spineless ribs
  • Plump, dense, sometimes asymmetric stems (quirky forms)
• It is widely propagated in Japan, Thailand, Korea, and China and is popular among mutant cactus collectors.

 

 

How It Differs from the Standard Form

Trait	Standard Jamacaru	Short-Spined Jamacaru
Spines	Long, sharp, prominent	Very short or nearly absent
Stem	Tall, slender columnar form	Plumper, rounder, sometimes twisted
Color	Light to dark green	Deeper green with grayish hue; sometimes whitish marbling
Popularity	Common ornamental	Sought-after among “oddity” cactus collectors

 

Growing in Thailand

This species thrives in Thailand’s hot, humid climate. It is drought-tolerant and sun-loving, doing well in central and northeastern regions.

How to Propagate and Plant

• From seed: Soak seeds overnight; sow in a sandy, well-draining mix and keep slightly moist.
• From cuttings: Take healthy cuttings, let them callus for 2–3 days, then plant.
• Use deep pots or plant directly in the ground where space allows.

 

 

Care Tips

• Sunlight: Full, direct sun is ideal.
• Water: 1–2 times per week; avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Sandy, well-draining cactus mix.
• Fertilizer: Balanced formula (e.g., 15-15-15) monthly during growth.
• Pests: Watch for mealybugs; inspect regularly.

 

 

Flowering and Fruit

• Blooms in late hot season into early rains.
• Large, fragrant, white to creamy flowers that open at night.
• Fruits develop after flowering—small, round, deep purple to red, sweet pulp with fine seeds (similar to other cacti).

Blooming Behavior

1. Bloom time:
   Night-blooming—typically around 7 PM to 8 AM. Buds open in the evening and reach full bloom overnight; flowers last about 1–2 days.
2. Flower characteristics:
   • Large blossoms (~15–25 cm diameter)
   • White/cream petals with yellow filaments
   • Fragrant, attracting pollinators such as bees and other insects
3. Bloom cycle:
   Each flower blooms once; it does not reopen on subsequent days.

 

 

Fruiting

1. Pollination
   • Fruiting occurs after insect pollination or manual hand-pollination.
   • Fruit begins to swell once petals wither, starting as small berry-like forms.
2. Fruit development
   • Fruits can reach 15–20 cm, turning green to yellowish when mature (varies by form).
   • Thick rind with many seeds inside.
   • Ripening typically takes about 3–6 months before harvest or natural drop.
3. Seed use
   • Seeds can be cleaned and sown for propagation.
   • Fruits are sometimes used for seed production to maintain collectible lines.

 

 

 

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