Stenocactus multicostatus, or Echinofossulocactus multicostatus is commonly known as the ‘Brain Cactus’. It is best grown in pots because of its wrinkled look, globular shape, small size, and low growth rate. This winter-dormant plant can reach up to the height of 2.5 inches. Brain succulents are native to Mexico and belong to the Cactaceae family.
Growth Rate
The Stenocactus multicostatus plant has a slow growth rate.
Flowering
This lovely cactus produces White, pink, purple color flowers that bloom in the spring and summer seasons.
Watering and Feeding
Based on the size of the plant and its container, you should water it every ten days during the warm season and once every couple of weeks during the colder months. During the growing season, from early spring to early fall, the Brain Succulent needs regular fertilization.
Soil
In terms of growing medium, Stenocactus multicostatus cactus can adapt to almost any soil with good drainage properties. Select a mineral substrate for the best results.
Hardiness
These cacti can be grown outside in suitable conditions. They grow well in frost tolerance zones of -5° C (23° F) and belong to the hardiness zones of 9b to 11.
Light
The brain plant prefers temperatures in the range of -7 to +10° C. During heatwaves, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight and full sun exposure.
Propagation
Stenocactus multicostatus cactus reproduces through seeds or offshoots.
If you are a cactus collector looking for a unique yet beautiful specimen, the Brain Cactus is a good choice, even if you do not have a lot of space. It also makes an excellent gift, and because it is a low-maintenance plant, it is suitable for even inexperienced gardeners.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Stenocactus multicostatus |
| Common Name | Brain cactus, wave cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | White, pink, purple |
| Genus | Stenocactus |
| Growth Habit | Wrinkled appearance (wavy ribs) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | Up to 5 in. tall, 6 in. wide |
| Native Area | Central America |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By seeds, offsets |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, deer resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Special Features | Long, white, red or black papery spines |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, Safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Moderate |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Stenocactus multicostatus, or Echinofossulocactus multicostatus is commonly known as the ‘Brain Cactus’. It is best grown in pots because of its wrinkled look, globular shape, small size, and low growth rate. This winter-dormant plant can reach up to the height of 2.5 inches. Brain succulents are native to Mexico and belong to the Cactaceae family.
Growth Rate
The Stenocactus multicostatus plant has a slow growth rate.
Flowering
This lovely cactus produces White, pink, purple color flowers that bloom in the spring and summer seasons.
Watering and Feeding
Based on the size of the plant and its container, you should water it every ten days during the warm season and once every couple of weeks during the colder months. During the growing season, from early spring to early fall, the Brain Succulent needs regular fertilization.
Soil
In terms of growing medium, Stenocactus multicostatus cactus can adapt to almost any soil with good drainage properties. Select a mineral substrate for the best results.
Hardiness
These cacti can be grown outside in suitable conditions. They grow well in frost tolerance zones of -5° C (23° F) and belong to the hardiness zones of 9b to 11.
Light
The brain plant prefers temperatures in the range of -7 to +10° C. During heatwaves, it is best to keep it out of direct sunlight and full sun exposure.
Propagation
Stenocactus multicostatus cactus reproduces through seeds or offshoots.
If you are a cactus collector looking for a unique yet beautiful specimen, the Brain Cactus is a good choice, even if you do not have a lot of space. It also makes an excellent gift, and because it is a low-maintenance plant, it is suitable for even inexperienced gardeners.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
