Ming Thing Cactus

If you’re looking for a truly unique and tough succulent, the ming thing cactus is a fantastic choice. This sculptural plant brings an exotic look to any collection while being surprisingly easy to care for, even for beginners.

Its distinctive form, with tall, columnar stems covered in soft, tubercle-like bumps, makes it a real conversation starter. Unlike many cacti, it lacks sharp spines, making it a safer option for homes with pets or curious kids. Let’s look at how you can make this remarkable plant thrive.

The ming thing cactus, scientifically known as Cereus forbesii ‘Ming Thing’, is a cultivar prized for its unusual growth. It’s a slow-growing, clumping cactus that can eventually form a small, architectural grove in its container.

Its blue-green to gray-green stems are covered in tubercles, giving it a textured, almost brain-like appearance. This unique structure is why it’s sometimes called the “monstrose cactus.”

Why Choose a Ming Thing for Your Home?

This cactus offers several benefits that make it a standout houseplant:

Extreme Drought Tolerance: It stores water efficiently, forgiving the occasional missed watering.
Low Light Adaptability: While it prefers bright light, it can tolerate lower light conditions better than many cacti, though growth may slow.
Minimal Maintenance: It requires very little pruning or fussing over.
Pet-Safe(ish): While no plant should be ingested, its lack of sharp spines reduces injury risk.
Architectural Interest: It provides year-round visual interest with its form and texture.

Perfect Light and Location

Getting the light right is the key to a healthy ming thing. Aim for bright, indirect light. A south or east-facing window is often ideal.

If you place it in direct, harsh afternoon sun, especially behind glass, the stems can scorch and turn yellow. If you only have a west-facing window, consider using a sheer curtain to filter the strongest rays.

Signs of too little light include etiolation, where the stems become abnormally stretched and thin. If you notice this, gradually move it to a brighter spot.

Watering Your Cactus Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your ming thing. It needs a “soak and dry” method. Here’s the simple process:

Check the soil dryness by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the pot.
Only water when the soil is completely dry at that depth.
When watering, do so thoroughly until water runs freely out the drainage holes.
Empty the saucer underneath to prevent the pot from sitting in water.
In winter, reduce watering significantly, sometimes to once a month or less, as the plant goes dormant.

Choosing the Best Soil Mix

Regular potting soil holds too much moisture. Your ming thing needs a fast-draining mix. You can buy a pre-made cactus and succulent mix, or make your own.

A simple recipe is:

2 parts potting soil
1 part coarse sand or poultry grit
1 part perlite or pumice

This blend ensures water flows through quickly, preventing root rot. The pot you use must have at least one drainage hole.

Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Feeding is simple but important during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Apply it once a month when you water. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter, as the plant is not actively growing and the nutrients can build up and damage the roots.

Repotting Steps and Timing

Because it’s slow-growing, your ming thing will only need repotting every 2-3 years. Choose a pot only one size larger, as too much soil stays wet longer.

Gently remove the plant from its current pot, brushing away old soil.
Inspect the roots and trim any that are black or mushy with sterile scissors.
Place a layer of fresh cactus mix in the new pot.
Position the plant in the center and fill around it with more mix.
Wait about a week before watering to let any disturbed roots heal.

Common Problems and Easy Solutions

Even resilient plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Soft, Mushy Stems: This is a classic sign of overwatering and root rot. You may need to cut away the soft parts and repot in dry soil.
Brown, Dry Patches: Usually indicates sunburn. Move the plant to a location with less intense direct sunlight.
Stems Stretching and Leaning: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Gradually introduce it to a brighter area.
Pests: Mealybugs can appear as white, cottony masses. Treat them by dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Propagating Your Ming Thing

You can create new plants through offsets (pups) or stem cuttings. The best time to do this is in spring or early summer.

Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully remove a healthy offset or cut a stem section.
Let the cutting callous over in a dry, shaded spot for 5-7 days. This step is crucial to prevent rot.
Once calloused, place the cutting on top of moist cactus mix. Do not bury it deeply.
Place in bright, indirect light and mist the soil lightly when it’s completely dry.
Roots should begin to form in a few weeks. Once established, you can treat it like a mature plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Adjusting care with the seasons keeps your cactus happy year-round.

Spring/Summer: Water when soil is dry, fertilize monthly, provide bright light.
Fall: Begin to reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing.
Winter: Water very sparingly (once a month or less), provide the brightest light possible, and keep away from cold drafts.

Design Ideas for Display

The ming thing’s sculptural shape makes it a natural art piece. Try these display tips:

Use a simple, modern pot to highlight its unique form.
Group it with other textured succulents that have contrasting shapes, like rounded Echeverias.
Place it on a shelf or desk where its vertical shape can be appreciated from all sides.
Consider a shallow, wide pot if you have a cluster, to mimic its natural, clumping habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ming thing cactus really a cactus?
Yes, it is a true cactus, a monstrose form of Cereus forbesii. Its lack of traditional spines can be misleading.

How fast does a ming thing cactus grow?
It is considered a slow-grower. You might only see a few inches of growth per year under ideal conditions.

Can the ming thing cactus flower?
While it can produce flowers, it’s very rare for this cultivar to bloom when grown indoors as a houseplant. Its primary appeal is its foliage and form.

Is the ming thing toxic to cats or dogs?
It is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion of any plant material can cause mild stomach upset. Its spineless nature does make it safer around pets physically.

What’s the difference between a ming thing and a totem pole cactus?
They are often confused! Both are monstrose, spineless cacti. The totem pole cactus (Lophocereus schottii monstrose) typically has smoother, more pronounced vertical ribs, while the ming thing has a more bumpy, textured surface covered in tubercles.

With its forgiving nature and striking apperance, the ming thing cactus is a rewarding plant for any indoor gardener. By providing the right balance of light, careful watering, and well-draining soil, you can enjoy this exotic, resilient succulent for many years to come. Its unique beauty only improves as it slowly grows and forms its own fascinating shape.