Stenocactus multicostatus Brain Cactus

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Stenocactus multicostatus ‘Brain Cactus’

• Common Name: Brain Cactus, Wave Cactus, Ripple Cactus

• Family: Cactaceae

• Genus: Stenocactus

• Origin: Northern and Central Mexico

🌸 Plant Description

Stenocactus multicostatus ‘Brain Cactus’ is one of the most fascinating and uniquely ribbed cacti in the world. It’s named “Brain Cactus” for its wavy, corrugated ribs that twist in intricate patterns, giving the plant an appearance similar to the folds of a human brain.

The plant’s body is small, round to slightly elongated, usually 5–10 cm tall and 6–12 cm wide, covered with numerous thin ribs (sometimes more than 100!). Each rib bears fine white to brownish spines, arranged in elegant symmetry.

In late spring to summer, it produces small, silky flowers that range from white to pinkish-purple, often blooming from the center of the ribs. This cactus remains compact, making it ideal for indoor or table-top decoration.

🌞 Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers bright light or partial sun; tolerates some direct sunlight.

• Temperature: Thrives between 18°C–32°C; keep above 10°C in winter.

• Watering: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot.

• Soil: Use a well-draining cactus mix with sand, pumice, or perlite.

• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during active growth (spring–summer) with diluted cactus fertilizer.

• Propagation: By offsets or seed; grows slowly but long-lived.

🪴 Uses

• Ideal for indoor collections, office desks, and decorative pots.

• Excellent gift cactus due to its unique “brain-like” structure.

• Perfect for succulent gardens and collector displays.

🧩 Key Features

✅ Unique wavy ribs resembling a brain
✅ Compact and slow-growing cactus
✅ Produces delicate pink-white flowers
✅ Easy to care for and long-lived
✅ Excellent ornamental and collector plant