Hylocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Central and South America.

Description. Hylocereus are large cacti with thin, branched stems, often grown as houseplants. In the wild, they often act as epiphytes, growing attached to the trunks of large trees. The stems are green, three- or four-sided in cross-section, in some species they consist of oval segments, can be either drooping or vertical, and reach several meters in length. Hylocereus is distinguished by truly gigantic flowers - their diameter reaches 30 cm. The flowers open at night and have a pleasant aroma.

Height. Unlike most cacti, it develops quickly and in a short time its shoots reach several meters in length.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a room temperature of about 20 ° C is suitable. In winter, take the cactus to a cool room, but do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting; shading during the daytime is possible in spring and summer. In the morning and evening, direct rays of the sun should hit the plant for 3 - 4 hours daily - this will promote flowering. Hylocereus can also grow in partial shade.

Care

An unpretentious species that is easy to grow even for beginners. The stems of adult specimens sometimes require support.

Substrate

Hylocereus requires a fairly nutritious substrate. The soil should easily allow water and air to pass through and have a pH of about 5.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Purpose

Since this plant takes on impressive dimensions with age, provide it with a well-lit, spacious room. Varieties with drooping stems look great in hanging pots. Due to its unpretentiousness, Hylocereus is often used as a rootstock for more delicate cacti. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

In spring and summer, when temperatures are high, you can spray cacti with room temperature water in the morning. In autumn and winter, the air should be dry, and there is no need for spraying at this time.

Soil moisture

Water regularly in the warm season; allow the soil to dry to a depth of 3 cm before each subsequent watering. In winter, simply do not allow the soil to dry out completely. 

Transfer

Replant in fresh soil each year as the root system quickly fills the entire pot.

Reproduction

Using stem cuttings, drying the cut area before planting. Rooting is easy. It is possible to grow from seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Rot due to excessive watering. 

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Note

The large fruits of this cactus are edible and pleasant to the taste.