How to care for and propagate Myrtillocactus geometr

Myrtillocactus care and propagation information

Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata

Dinosaur Back Plant, Crested Blue Candle

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated: May 11, 2023

This blue-green crested candelabra succulent has thick, waxy branches. It can grow quite large, spreading out over a thick columnar trunk, stems cresting and creating waves as it grows.

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Quick Look:

Full sun
Typical water needs for a succulent. Do not water in the winter
Plant grows up to 6′ (1.8 m) tall
Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide
Zone 10a (Minimum 30° F | -1.1° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by stem cuttings and leaves
Generally non-toxic
Winter dormant

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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata “Dinosaur Back Plant”

Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata “Dinosaur Back Plant” grows well in an outdoor garden. Be sure to plant in well-draining soil in a tall planter. In the summer, “Dinosaur Back” loves being in full sun. In the winter, it's best to move your plant to a shadier spot.

Watering

“Dinosaur Back Plant” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

“Dinosaur Back Plant” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 30° F (-1.1° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata “Dinosaur Back Plant”

Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata “Dinosaur Back Plant” can be propagated from stem cuttings in the summer. Use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Additional information

The term cristata is Latin for “crested.”