How to plant and care for Jamacaru (Cereus jamacaru)

Plant and Garden > How to plant and care for Jamacaru (Cereus jamacaru)
24/04/2025 11:43

When talking about the Jamacaru cactus with short spines that is becoming popular, did you know that it originally comes from the long-spined Jamacaru, Cereus Jamacaru? Today, let's get to know the Jamacaru better.

Origin of the Short Spine Jamacaru

The original species Cereus jamacaru comes from Brazil, especially from the tropical and semi-arid regions such as the Cerrado and Caatinga, which are natural areas in northeastern Brazil.
The short spine or "Short Spine" is a "mutation" that occurs naturally or through selective breeding by humans, focusing on unusual features, such as:
- Short or almost no spines
- Thick, rounded stems with asymmetrical shapes (some plants may look quite unusual)
It is cultivated and propagated widely in Japan, Thailand, Korea, and China, gaining popularity among collectors of unusual plants (mutant cacti).

Differences from the Normal Jamacaru

Characteristic	Normal Jamacaru	Short Spine Jamacaru
Spines	Long, sharp, and pointed	Very short or almost none
Stem	Tall and slim	Thick, round, twisted
Color	Light green to dark green	Dark green with a hint of gray or white patterns
Popularity	Common	Popular among collectors of unusual plants

Planting in Thailand

Jamacaru can be grown well in Thailand because it is drought-resistant and thrives in full sunlight. It is suitable for the hot and humid weather in our country, especially in the central and northeastern regions.

How to Plant Jamacaru

Plant from seeds: Soak the seeds in water overnight, then plant them in a sandy loam mix. Water lightly to keep it moist.
Plant from cuttings: Cut a healthy stem, let it dry for 2-3 days, then plant it in the soil.
Use deep pots or plant directly in the garden soil.

Caring for the Jamacaru Plant

Sunlight: It loves full sunlight and should be placed in a spot that gets sunlight all day.
Water: Water 1-2 times a week. Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging.
Soil: Well-drained sandy soil or cactus soil mix.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 15-15-15) once a month.
Pests: Mealybugs may sometimes infest, so regular checks are recommended.

Flowering and Fruits

Flowers bloom from summer to early rainy season.
The flowers are large, white, and fragrant, blooming at night.
After blooming, small round fruits will appear, which are dark purple or red with sweet flesh and tiny seeds, similar to other cacti fruits.

Flowering of the Jamacaru

Time of flowering
Flowers bloom at night (from 7 PM to 8 AM), starting in the evening and opening fully through the night. The flowers last for only 1-2 days.
Flower characteristics
- The flowers are large (15-25 cm in diameter)
- The flower color is white or cream with yellow fibers on the flower stem.
- The flowers have a fragrant scent that attracts insects like bees and various bugs for pollination.
Bloom duration
Each flower blooms only once, and once it fades, it will not bloom again in the future.

Fruit Development of Jamacaru

Pollination
- Jamacaru cactus will bear fruit if pollinated by insects or even humans assisting in manual pollination.
- The fruit starts growing after the flower fades, developing into small fruit-like structures.
Fruit development
- The fruit of Jamacaru can grow up to 15-20 cm, and may appear as green or yellow fruit when ripe.
- The fruit has a tough outer skin with many seeds inside.
- After 3-6 months, when the fruit is fully ripe, it may fall off or be harvested.
Propagation from fruit
- Seeds from the fruit can be used for propagation.
- Sometimes, Jamacaru fruits are used for seed production or propagation for ornamental plant collections.