'Ming Thing' is a cultivar that exhibits a naturally occurring mutant growth in the form of sculptural club-like shaped stems. Typically, most cacti have only one growth point. This particular cultivar has a "monstrose' mutation that causes random grow points all over the plant which causes a knobby or contorted growth pattern. The species is native to Bolivia and Argentina, and the plant is a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae). The species epithet honors "Mr. Forbes," head gardener of Woburn Abbey, Bedford, England. 'Ming Thing' requires bright indirect light. It will need protection from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent sunburn. This plant can tolerate somewhat lower lighting than most cacti. It is best grown in quick-draining cactus or succulent potting medium with coarse sand or perlite. Clay pots with several drainage holes will also promote better drainage and prevent water retention. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Place the plant outside during the summer in partial shade to filtered shade and bring it inside before the first frost. The plant is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. They prefer temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 'Ming Thing' is a smaller and mutated version of Cereus forbesii . The plant is a slow-growing, blue to bluish-green cactus with a columnar habit and club-like shaped stems. It can grow up to 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. Woolly areoles and short black spines appear on top of the many bizarre stems. The flowers are night-blooming, large, funnel-shaped, and white with shades of purple that appear in the spring or early summer. This is a perfect plant for a windowsill or dish garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 'Ming Thing' is generally pest and disease resistant. Monitor for mealybugs. Overwatering can cause root rot. Harsh sunlight can cause sunburn or scorch. Protect from frost to prevent scarring.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheAustrocylindropuntia subulata 'Cristata'Lobivia ancistrophora 'Dominos'Mammillaria
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial; Houseplant; Succulent
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Columnar
Hairs present
No
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; White
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower detail
The flowers of the species are large, up to 6 inches, funnel-shaped, and white with purple tinges. Blooms are produced at night and occur in the spring or early summer. Their sweet fragrance attracts moths and insects. This cultivar rarely flowers.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Stem color
Blue; Green
Stem detail
Blue to blue-green stems in sculptural club-like shapes.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Wildlife value
The sweet fragrance attracts moths and night pollinating insects.