Hatiora cylindrica | 130mm Nursery Pot

Product Description

A little bit quirky, wonderfully sculptural and bursting with personality! Hatiora cylindrica is an unusual tropical cactus with masses of slender, finger-like green stems that branch in every direction, creating a dense, almost coral-like display.

Forget the traditional spiky cactus! This rainforest-loving beauty features smooth, cylindrical stems that divide into little forked branches, giving it a fascinating miniature tree-like appearance. Its rich green colouring and naturally bushy growth make it a fantastic choice for adding interesting shapes and textures to your indoor plant collection.

As it matures, its branching stems can gradually arch and spill over the sides of its pot, making it equally at home in a hanging basket or on an elevated shelf. And if you're lucky, mature plants may reward you with cheerful little yellow flowers at the tips of their stems.

Perfect for anyone who loves something a little different, Hatiora cylindrica is a charming addition to any indoor jungle.

Why You'll Love It

• Masses of slender, finger-like stems create a wonderfully sculptural appearance.
• Naturally branching growth gives it a unique, coral-like shape.
• Compact and bushy when young, with the potential to develop a gently trailing habit.
• Can produce delicate yellow flowers under suitable growing conditions.
• An unusual tropical cactus that's perfect for hanging baskets and plant collections.

The Details

• Botanical Name: Hatiora cylindrica
• Common Name: Hatiora cylindrica
• Pot Size: 130mm Nursery Pot
• Plant Type: Tropical epiphytic cactus

Light

Hatiora cylindrica thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to the filtered sunlight it receives in its natural forest habitat.

Position it near an east-facing window where it can enjoy gentle morning sunlight, or in a bright room protected from harsh afternoon sun.

A little direct morning sunlight can encourage healthy, compact growth and may help promote flowering. However, prolonged exposure to intense midday or afternoon sunlight can cause the stems to become stressed or discoloured.

It can tolerate moderate indirect light, although growth may become slower and less compact over time.

Watering

Unlike traditional desert cacti, Hatiora cylindrica appreciates regular watering and should not be left completely dry for extended periods.

Water thoroughly when approximately the upper third to half of the potting mix has dried, allowing excess water to drain freely from the nursery pot.

During spring and summer, check moisture levels regularly, particularly when temperatures are warmer and the plant is actively growing.

In autumn and winter, reduce watering frequency slightly, allowing the potting mix to dry a little further between drinks.

The key is maintaining a balance between moisture and drainage. Avoid leaving the roots sitting in constantly wet soil, as this can lead to root rot.

Feeding

Feed year-round using a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to approximately half the manufacturer's recommended strength.

During spring and summer, fertilise every three to four weeks to encourage healthy stem development and support active growth.

In autumn and winter, reduce feeding to approximately every six to eight weeks, adjusting according to the plant's growth rate and indoor conditions.

Avoid excessive fertiliser, as tropical epiphytic cacti generally respond best to lighter, consistent feeding rather than heavy applications.

Growing

Hatiora cylindrica is a tropical epiphytic cactus native to Brazil, where it naturally grows in forest environments, often supported by trees and other vegetation.

Its distinctive cylindrical stems are divided into short segments that branch repeatedly, creating a dense, upright and wonderfully sculptural appearance.

Young plants typically develop a compact, bushy growth habit, while mature specimens can become more spreading, with longer stems gradually arching under their own weight.

Hatiora cylindrica prefers temperatures between approximately 18–27°C and appreciates moderate to high humidity. It can adapt to typical indoor conditions, although additional humidity is beneficial in particularly dry environments.

Protect it from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and direct airflow from heaters or air-conditioning units.

For best results, grow it in a lightweight, well-aerated potting mix that retains a little moisture without becoming waterlogged. A tropical mix containing orchid bark, coco coir, perlite and other aerating ingredients is a great choice.

As the plant matures, it may produce small, yellow flowers at the tips of its stems. Flowering is generally encouraged by good light, healthy growth and suitable seasonal conditions.

Pet Friendly?

Hatiora cylindrica is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although species-specific pet toxicity information is limited.

Its relatively smooth stems make it a more suitable choice for pet-friendly households than many heavily spined desert cacti.

However, it's still best to discourage chewing or ingestion, as consuming plant material may occasionally cause mild digestive upset.

Good to Know

Despite its cactus classification, Hatiora cylindrica is a tropical forest species rather than a desert cactus. It prefers filtered light, moderate humidity and more regular watering than many traditional cacti and succulents.

Its cylindrical green structures are actually modified stems rather than leaves. These stems carry out photosynthesis and store moisture, helping the plant adapt to its natural growing environment.

The tiny pale markings at the ends of its branches are a normal feature of the plant. New growth often develops from these points, gradually creating its distinctive forked, coral-like appearance.

When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the existing root system and use a lightweight, free-draining mix. Avoid oversized pots, as excess soil can remain wet for too long.

• We photograph as many of our plants as possible; however, some listings may occasionally use supplier images.
• As plants are living things, every plant is unique and natural variations in size, colour and fullness should be expected.
• The plant you receive may not be the exact one pictured, but we'll always hand-pick a beautiful, healthy plant we'd happily display in our own home.

For our full Returns & Refunds Policy, click here.