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The Magic of the Cactus: A Guide to Growing and Caring for the ‘Bát Tiên’ Cactus.

The fascinating Cactus Hathorcereus, more commonly known as the Eight Immortals Cactus, has captured the hearts of many. With its unique appearance and intriguing characteristics, it's no wonder that this cactus is gaining popularity. As we delve into the world of this captivating plant, we'll uncover the secrets of its symbolism, and provide a comprehensive guide to cultivating and caring for it. Get ready to be spellbound by the enchanting Eight Immortals Cactus!

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23 July, 2024

The Cactus Octopetala, also known as the “Flower of the Eight Immortals”, is an intriguing plant that captivates gardeners and enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into its significance, cultivation, and care.

1Introduction to Cactus Octopetala

The captivating Cactus Octopetala

Native to the island kingdom of Madagascar, the Cactus Octopetala, commonly known as the “Flower Mão Gai”, is a fascinating species. Its name derives from the eight powerful immortals of Chinese mythology: Han Xian’gu, Han Zhongli, Han Xiangzi, Lan Taihe, Lu Dongbin, Cao Guojiu, Tie Guaili, and Zhang Guolao. These immortals are believed to ward off evil spirits, bringing peace, good fortune, and harmony to homes that display this cactus.

The Cactus Octopetala boasts a diverse range of colors, with its stems varying from green, reddish-brown to purple-brown. Growing to heights of 75-100 cm, its branches are adorned with single or double spines, and it exudes a milky sap.

The leaves of the Cactus Octopetala are equally intriguing, taking on various shapes depending on their environment, age, and position on the plant. Typically, they exhibit a glossy green hue, with some sporting a refreshing light green shade.

One of the most captivating features of the Cactus Octopetala is its flowers. With a vibrant palette of colors, including pink, green, red, white, purple, or yellow, these blooms emerge from the leaf axils in large, long-lasting clusters. Each flowering phase can last from 2 to 6 months, creating a stunning display.

2Significance of Cactus Octopetala

Cactus Octopetala brings good fortune and happiness.

In Feng Shui, the Cactus Octopetala is considered a symbol of good luck and happiness for homeowners. It is believed to attract positive energy, ward off evil spirits, and dissipate negative forces.

In Western cultures, the cactus represents the “Crown of Thorns”, the “Crown of Jesus”, or the “Blood of Christ”. Legend has it that Christ’s blood dripped onto the thorny crown, causing beautiful flowers to bloom. Many Christians cultivate the Cactus Octopetala as a tribute to Jesus, and its flowering coincides with Christ’s resurrection.

In China, the Cactus Octopetala is known as the “Flower of Good Fortune”. It is believed that growing this cactus attracts wealth, happiness, and overall well-being.

3Uses of Cactus Octopetala

Cactus Octopetala has multiple uses.

The Cactus Octopetala is not just a beautiful plant but also has practical applications. It is commonly used as an indoor decorative plant, adding a touch of nature to homes and offices.

In traditional medicine, the cactus has a bitter and astringent taste, a cool nature, and a small amount of toxicity. It is used to stop bleeding, drain pus, detoxify, treat uterine bleeding, abscesses, skin infections, burns, and even liver inflammation.

4Cactus Octopetala and Feng Shui

Cactus Octopetala is compatible with most Feng Shui elements.

In the context of Feng Shui, the Cactus Octopetala is compatible with most elements. Notably, for individuals born in the year of the Dragon (Thìn), cultivating this cactus is believed to bring prosperity and smoothness in career, abundance in wealth, and good luck in love life.

5Placement of Cactus Octopetala

Cactus Octopetala is best placed outdoors.

When it comes to placement, it is advisable to avoid keeping the Cactus Octopetala in bedrooms or offices, as its sharp spines may introduce negative energy and cause disharmony in the family. However, the plant itself has the ability to counteract any bad luck associated with its spines.

Ideally, the cactus should be placed outdoors, such as on the patio, balcony, or in the garden. Many believe that this placement brings good fortune and peace to the homeowner.

6Cultivation and Care of Cactus Octopetala

Cactus Octopetala is low-maintenance.

Planting Techniques

The Cactus Octopetala is a resilient plant that does not require extensive care. It can be planted in any type of pot, but it is essential to choose a deep pot with large drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. To ensure proper drainage, place broken bricks and a layer of coconut fiber at the bottom of the pot before adding the plant. Gently press the plant into the soil, leaving a gap between the soil surface and the rim of the pot. Initially, keep the plant in a shaded area and gradually introduce it to sunlight.

For the first 2-3 weeks, mist the plant once or twice a day, preferably in the morning.

Care Instructions

Cactus Octopetala thrives in sunny conditions.

Here are some care tips for the Cactus Octopetala:

Light: The Cactus Octopetala thrives in bright, sunny conditions, requiring approximately 80% sunlight. If it receives less than 50% sunlight, its growth may slow down, and it may stop flowering.

Humidity: This cactus grows best in temperatures ranging from 20-35°C and relative humidity between 60-80%.

Soil: Use well-drained, nutrient-rich soil such as light loam, alluvial soil, or humus. You can also mix light loam, manure, or decomposed garbage in a 1:1 ratio or alluvial soil, rice husk ash, and dry cow manure in a 1:1:1 ratio for optimal results.

Watering: Use clean water and water moderately to prevent the plant from drying out or suffering from waterlogging.

Fertilizer: For young plants, use NPK 30-10-10 fertilizer. As the plant matures, switch to NPK 20-20-20 to provide a balanced diet. When the plant is about to flower or is already flowering, use NPK 10-10-30 to encourage larger, more vibrant, and long-lasting blooms, as well as to strengthen the plant.

Pests and Diseases: The Cactus Octopetala is susceptible to leaf spot, soft rot, cotton aphid, and mealybugs, among other issues. Treat leaf spot with Anvil 5SC or Topsin M-70WP, soft rot with Kasuran, cotton aphid with Basudin, and mealybugs with Sherpa, Trebon, or Bi 58.

7Where to Buy Cactus Octopetala and Price

Online platforms offer convenient purchasing options.

This concludes our guide on the significance and cultivation of the Cactus Octopetala. We hope you found it informative and inspiring. Wishing you good health and happy gardening!

Frequently asked questions

The scientific name of the Bat Tien cactus is Echinocereus berlandieri, and it is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

The Bat Tien cactus has adapted to the extreme temperatures and arid conditions of the desert. It has a deep root system that enables it to access water from great depths, and its thick, waxy cuticle helps to reduce water loss through evaporation.

The Bat Tien cactus is known for its striking appearance with columnar stems, vibrant pink flowers, and long, white spines. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate full sun exposure and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for gardens and landscapes in dry regions.

The Bat Tien cactus can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, collect mature seeds from the fruit and sow them in a well-drained soil mix. Cuttings can be taken from the stem and allowed to callus over before planting in a similar soil mix.

The Bat Tien cactus prefers a well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Ensure that the soil is dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

The watering needs of the Bat Tien cactus vary depending on the season and climate. During the active growing season (spring and summer), water the plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant becomes dormant.

The Bat Tien cactus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot can occasionally cause problems. Regular inspections and proper cultural practices can help prevent and control these issues.

Yes, the Bat Tien cactus can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location. Ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight and provide proper ventilation to prevent excess humidity.

The Bat Tien cactus has cultural significance in its native regions. It has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, with various parts of the plant believed to have therapeutic properties. The cactus is also valued for its ornamental beauty and is commonly used in gardening and landscaping.