Eulychnia Castanea (Corkscrew Cactus)

Eulychnia castanea
Common Name: Corkscrew Cactus

Eulychnia castanea, famously known as the Corkscrew Cactus, is a rare and mesmerizing cactus native to Chile. Its distinctive twisting, spiraled stems give the appearance of a corkscrew or helix, making it an instant conversation piece and a prized addition to any collector’s shelf. The stems are often deep green to bronzy-purple and lined with small, evenly spaced areoles bearing short, fuzzy spines.

This cactus grows slowly and vertically, often branching at the base or along its twisted ridges, and can eventually form a multi-stemmed sculptural cluster. It’s a hardy species that thrives in dry, sunny environments with minimal care.

☀ Light Requirements
Loves bright light to full sun. Outdoors, give it as much sun as possible. Indoors, place near a south-facing window or under strong grow lights.

💧 Watering Needs
Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to rot. During winter, reduce watering significantly as the plant goes dormant.

🌡 Temperature Tolerance
Hardy to about 25–30°F if kept dry. Protect from frost and cold rain. For winter orders, include a [Heat Pack] to ensure safe transit.

✨ Special Features
• Twisting Corkscrew Form – Rare spiral growth makes each specimen unique
• Architectural & Collectible – A show-stopping addition to any cactus collection
• Low-Maintenance – Thrives on neglect and harsh conditions

Other Common Names:
Corkscrew Cactus, Spiraled Eulychnia, Twisted Torch Cactus

This cactus will ship bare root and will be ready to place directly in a well draining soil mix like our Custom Cactus Mix.

Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you.
However, Plants grow differently and each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc.
Of course, if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us. We want to make it right!

If temperatures near you are below 45℉ we highly recommend adding a Heat Pack to your order.
If temperatures where you live will be much lower than 20℉ even heat packs may not work. You may consider waiting until things warm up a bit. We know you love your plants just like we do and we wouldn't want any of them to freeze.