Cochal Plant Care
Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Myrtillocactus cochal, the cochal or candelabra cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to the Baja California peninsula. Individuals can reach 3 m (10 ft), and are hardy to USDA zone 9b.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Cochal?
Water Cochal every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cochal Native To?
What Is the Cochal?
Cochal (Myrtillocactus cochal) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Myrtillocactus genus. Cochal is native to the Baja California peninsula. Cochal is also known as Blue Candle Cactus.
Cochal displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cochal produces small, white or pink flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Cochal?
Myrtillocactus cochal requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cochal Need?
Cochal thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cochal Prefer?
Myrtillocactus cochal grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Cochal prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cochal?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Cochal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cochal?
Feed Cochal every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cochal?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cochal?
Cochal can be propagated through stem cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to blue myrtle cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cochal Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cochal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cochal?
Cochal is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cochal Need?
Cochal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cochal is native to the Baja California peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Cochal as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Cochal is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Myrtillocactus genus — compare its care with other Myrtillocactus species on PlantoScan.
Myrtillocactus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Cochal thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Myrtillocactus cochal (Orcutt) Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae (first published in in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 12: 427. 1909.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cochal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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