{"product_id":"cuddly-cactus","title":"Cuddly Cactus – spineless cactus, easy to love","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCuddly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e cactus (scientifically known as \u003ci\u003eCereus jamacaru ‘Cuddly Cactus’\u003c\/i\u003e) is a cultivated variety of columnar cactus native to the arid regions of Brazil, valued for its sculptural appearance and complete lack of sharp spines. Its name comes precisely from this “cuddly” characteristic, making it safe for children and pets, unlike its more “prickly” relatives in the cactus family. It is an evergreen plant with thick, ribbed, blue-green stems that can branch and form an impressive structure. In its natural habitat, it can reach up to 9 meters in height, but indoors it usually grows to 1.8–3 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eAppearance and characteristics\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eShape:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Upright stems with 5–8 prominent ribs, sometimes with wavy edges, giving it a star-shaped appearance when viewed from above. The absence of spines is replaced by small, white areoles covered with fine hairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Produces large white or pink flowers that bloom at night (also known as “Queen of the Night”) and last for only one evening, releasing a pleasant fragrance. They appear only on mature plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIndoor size:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Usually 20–30 cm at purchase, but it can grow quickly to 1.8–3 meters with proper care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eEssential care\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Cuddly cactus is drought-tolerant and very easy to maintain, making it ideal for beginners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Bright indirect light or moderate direct sunlight; ideally placed near a south-facing window. Avoid intense direct sunlight to prevent scorching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWatering:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Water thoroughly every 2–3 weeks (the “soak and dry” method); allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water less frequently in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e A well-draining cactus\/succulent mix (with perlite or coarse sand). Avoid peat, which retains too much water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 18–24°C during the day; tolerates a minimum of 10°C. Protect it from cold drafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Monthly, from spring to autumn, using cactus fertilizer (diluted according to the instructions).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon problems:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Overwatering causes root rot (soft, brown stems); underwatering causes wrinkles on the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003ePropagation and extra tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt is best propagated from cuttings: cut a healthy section, let it dry for a few days, then plant it in well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRoots appear within 2–8 weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt is non-toxic and pet-friendly, ideal for small apartments or as a sculptural decorative element.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUses and benefits:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIdeal for modern apartments or offices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEasy to maintain, recommended even for beginners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSpineless – safe and friendly in any space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA sculptural-looking plant, suitable both for minimalist décor and exotic plant collections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Each cactus may show slight differences in shape or growth, making it unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 15 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The ceramic pot is not included in the price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","offers":[{"title":"9 cm pot","offer_id":55124601405766,"sku":null,"price":14.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/IMG-7879.png?v=1785306303","url":"https:\/\/sicretgarden.com\/en-cy\/products\/cuddly-cactus","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}