Boobie Cactus (Grafts)

The Boobie Cactus, as it's affectionately called, gets its nickname from its rather suggestive shape. Its scientific name is a bit more of a mouthful: Myrtillocactus Geometrizans 'Fukurokuryuzinboku'. This is a monstrous or mutated form of the Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus Geometrizans), which is native to central and northern Mexico. The 'Fukurokuryuzinboku' is a Japanese cultivar, and its name is a nod to Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, who is often depicted with an elongated forehead.

The cactus grows in a columnar fashion, but instead of straight, defined ribs, it develops lumpy, mammariform tubercles that resemble, well, breasts. This unique growth pattern is the result of a genetic mutation, and because of this, the plant has become a sought-after collector's item.

A Closer Look

Here are some of the key characteristics of this fascinating cactus:

Appearance: The Boobie Cactus has a bluish-green skin and a lumpy, irregular surface. It can grow quite tall, but as a houseplant, it's a relatively slow grower.

Flowers: When it matures and if the conditions are right, it can produce small, greenish-white or creamy-white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. These are followed by small, edible, dark purple fruits that resemble blueberries, which is where the parent plant, the Blue Myrtle Cactus, gets its other common name, the Bilberry Cactus.

Spines: It does have small spines, so it's best to handle it with care.

Caring for Your Curvaceous Cactus

Despite its exotic appearance, the Boobie Cactus is surprisingly easy to care for, much like its non-mutated relatives. Here’s a rundown of what it needs to thrive:

Light: This cactus loves bright, indirect sunlight. If you're growing it indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. It can also handle some direct sun, but be careful not to scorch it, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Soil: Like most cacti, the Boobie Cactus needs well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent mix is perfect. You can also amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Water: The golden rule with this cactus is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common way to kill a cactus, leading to root rot. During its growing season in the spring and summer, you'll water it more frequently than in the fall and winter when it's dormant.

Temperature and Humidity: It prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. It does well in average household humidity. If you live in a region with cold winters, it's best to bring it indoors. It's generally hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Fertilizer: You can feed it a balanced cactus fertilizer during its growing season in the spring and summer to give it a little boost.

A Rare and Interesting Specimen

It's worth noting that because the 'Fukurokuryuzinboku' is a cultivar of a mutated plant, it doesn't grow true from seed. This means that every Boobie Cactus you see has been propagated from a cutting of the original plant. This method of propagation contributes to its rarity, and, at times, its higher price tag compared to more common cacti.