Cereus forbesii monstrose 'Ming Thing' [large]
SKU:C3VY2913
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Highlights
Cereus forbesii monstrose 'Ming Thing' (also known as C. validus): The monstrose form of a blue-green columnar cactus from Bolivia and Argentina. It has a wonderfully twisted form and sports a few short spines. C. validus can tolerate slightly lower light conditions than your average cactus. This plant is fully rooted in a 3.5" round plastic container.
This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use well-draining cactus and succulent soil with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
Product Size
3.5" Pot
Current Primary Color
Blue / Blue-green
Bloom Color
White Bloom
Grow Zone (Hardiness)
Zone 10 (30F)
Recommended Light Conditions
Bright Indoor Light, Filtered / Partial Sun
Maximum Height
Over 12"
Growth Habit / Shape
Vertical Grower / Tall Stem
Seasonality
Year-round Color
Special Characteristic
Slow Grower
THIS PLANT IS HARDY IN ZONES 10+
10
WHAT IS MY HARDINESS ZONE?
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Questions & Answers
Popular Questions
• Staff Answer
Hi there!
The limited tag just means that we don't have a whole lot of that plant, and propagating it takes a lot of time. Plants with the limited tag can only be ordered once per order. In other words, you can only order one of them at a time.
The exclusive tag means that we're the only major outfit that sells that particular plant. You may be able to find an Etsy or Ebay listing, but no major nurseries are selling it, with the exception of us. These plants are rare, and typically exciting, but they're going to be a bit pricey.
I hope this all helps!
The limited tag just means that we don't have a whole lot of that plant, and propagating it takes a lot of time. Plants with the limited tag can only be ordered once per order. In other words, you can only order one of them at a time.
The exclusive tag means that we're the only major outfit that sells that particular plant. You may be able to find an Etsy or Ebay listing, but no major nurseries are selling it, with the exception of us. These plants are rare, and typically exciting, but they're going to be a bit pricey.
I hope this all helps!
• Staff Answer
Shop Succulent Soil Here
Succulents need grittier soil than other plants because they are adapted to dry conditions and store water in their leaves. Regular potting soil mixes stay damp for long periods of time, which can cause rot in succulents. Instead, use a sandy, well-draining soil so you can water thoroughly without leaving your succulent in standing water.
IN POTS…
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• Staff Answer
Our plants can be transplanted immediately upon arrival.
If you want to wait to transplant, they can remain in their original containers for up to a month. If the pots came in a plastic carrier tray, remove the pots from the carrier tray prior to the first watering.
Keep the plants indoors near a sunny window or outdoors under a roof (only if outdoor temperatures stay above your succulent's minimum hardiness temperature). Water only after the soil is fully dry by drenching from above with a faucet, hose, or watering can. Gently shake excess water from the leaves and allow containers to drain completely.
• Staff Answer
Fertilizing is not necessary, but it is a good option for succulent growers who want to encourage faster, larger growth. It can be used on mature plants with established roots. Only fertilize in the growing season (spring and summer for most varieties) to avoid weakening or burning dormant plants. Use a light touch and make 2-3 applications of low-Nitrogen, diluted fertilizer each year (N-P-K ratio around 5-10-10). You can find specially-formulated cactus / succulent fertilizers in most garden centers or go organic with compost tea or bone meal.
Example: Miracle-Gro Quick Start, diluted to half strength
• Staff Answer
Succulents need deep, infrequent watering, especially during their growing season and when they are young and establishing roots. Only water after the soil is completely dry and the plant feels less firm. Err on the side of underwatering. Watering too frequently is the most common way to kill succulents.
HOW TO WATER SUCCULENTS
- Drench from above using a faucet, hose, or watering can
- Do not mist with a spray bottle (the only exception is for Air Plants)
- Water until it drains from the container's drainage hole. If your container does not have a drainage hole (not recommended), use about 1/3 the volume of the container…
• Staff Answer
Different succulent varieties have different light needs. You can find the Recommended Light Conditions on each variety's page by scrolling down to the Product Details. We use four categories of recommended light, and some plants can thrive under a range of light conditions.
LOW INDOOR LIGHT
- Can grow indoors without direct sun.
- Placing outdoors in direct sun or on sunny window sills might cause dark burns.
- There are a limited number of succulent varieties that thrive in low light, notably Haworthia, Gasteria, Peperomia, and some Jade…
• Staff Answer
Many succulent varieties are only available seasonally because of their growing and propagation cycles. During the growing season, we can usually restock sets and trays weekly. Most individual plants will go in and out of stock through the seasons, but they are also restocked weekly when available. Thursday is usually the best day of the week for finding plants in stock. Spring and Summer are generally the best seasons for availability.
Any product that is out of stock has an "Email me when a product is back in stock" button (shown above). Click the button and enter your email to be notified when it's available again. If this button isn't appearing, the plant may have very recently sold out - check back after a short while and the button should appear.
• Staff Answer
35%-70% isopropyl alcohol works well for killing both mealybugs and spider mites. Spray the affected plant thoroughly, and keep spraying daily until you see no more evidence of pests. General pest prevention strategies include:
- Using very gritty succulent soil and pots with drainage holes
- Providing lots of sunlight and airflow
• Staff Answer
Plants with similar light needs tend to work well together in a container. When you're browsing our catalog, you can use the "Recommended Light Conditions" filter on the left of every category page to filter by the amount of sunlight you can provide. If this will be an outdoor container, you'll also want to filter by "Grow Zone (Hardiness)" and pick plants for your USDA Hardiness Zone. If this container will stay indoors year-round, head to our Indoor Succulents Category and then filter by "Low Indoor Light" or "Bright Indoor Light" accordingly.
• Staff Answer
It certainly can! Rot can spread from the roots to the leaves making them fall off OR root rot kills the roots so they cannot take in water and the leaves actually dry and fall off. Either way, check your roots. Be sure that you're using pots with drainage holes and gritty, well-draining soil. Grow them in lots of sun or on a sunny window sill. And only water after the soil is completely dry and the leaves start to feel limp (when in doubt, keep waiting).
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- Same Week Shipping Cut-off: Monday 11:59PM PT
- Delivery Days: Usually the following Thursday or Friday
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- Why don't we ship every day? This schedule avoids weekend delays and helps us ensure the plants are delivered fresh
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Customer Reviews
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Overall Rating
100%
of customers that buy this product give
it a 4 or 5-Star rating.
Nice Ming Thing
November 10, 2024 by Jon F. (United States)
“A very healthy plant.”
October 8, 2024 by Laurence L. (Oklahoma, United States)
“Perfect size for incorporating into a mixed cactus/succulent bowl. Couldnt be happier!”
Great plant!!
September 20, 2024 by judy H. (GA, United States)
“This was a great plant. Nice and healthy and BIG!”
