Hylocereus undatus is a plant of dark green stems, creeping and climbing habit that branches profusely. The segments can measure up to 1.20 m and the stems can reach a length of up to 10 m with a thickness of 10 to 12 cm.
It has 3 angular ribs, with wavy margins that become horny with age. 2 mm diameter areolas with internodos between 1 and 4 cm.
Adult stems are 1 to 3 gray-brown to black spines 2 to 4 mm long, acicular to subconic. The flowers, white, are about 25 to 30 cm long by 15 to 17 in diameter. They are fragrant, nocturnal and last only one night.
Scientific Name
Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose
Common Names
Belle of the Night, Conderella Plant, Dragon Fruit, Honolulu Queen, Moonlight Cactus, Night-blooming Cereus, Pitaya, Queen of the Night, Red Pitaya, Strawberry Pear, White-fleshed Pitahaya
Synonyms
Cereus tricostatus, Cereus trigonus var. guatemalensis, Cereus undatus (basionym), Hylocereus tricostatus, Hylocereus guatemalensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Hylocereus
The Different Types of Dragon Fruit
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most cacti, Cereus are fairly, low-maintenance and hardy. Make sure they receive enough water without becoming waterlogged, especially during the summer and fertilize them for best results. If the roots have become black or overly soft, the cactus could be experiencing root rot. Cut away the affected parts and replant. Most gardeners interested in cacti should be able to cultivate these without much problem.
Origin
The precise origin of Hylocereus undatus is uncertain and it may be a hybrid.
Links: Back to genus CEREUS
SUCCULENT PLANTS : Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
It has 3 angular ribs, with wavy margins that become horny with age. 2 mm diameter areolas with internodos between 1 and 4 cm.
Adult stems are 1 to 3 gray-brown to black spines 2 to 4 mm long, acicular to subconic. The flowers, white, are about 25 to 30 cm long by 15 to 17 in diameter. They are fragrant, nocturnal and last only one night.
Scientific Name
Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose
Common Names
Belle of the Night, Conderella Plant, Dragon Fruit, Honolulu Queen, Moonlight Cactus, Night-blooming Cereus, Pitaya, Queen of the Night, Red Pitaya, Strawberry Pear, White-fleshed Pitahaya
Synonyms
Cereus tricostatus, Cereus trigonus var. guatemalensis, Cereus undatus (basionym), Hylocereus tricostatus, Hylocereus guatemalensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Hylocereus
The Different Types of Dragon Fruit
- Hylocereus Megalanthus – This type of dragon fruit has a white fruit flesh and a yellow shell. The shell of this variation is a bit thornier than the rest of the variations, so it is rarer to see in a garden.
- Hylocereus Undatus – This is a variation that has the same white flesh, but the exterior of this fruit is red in color.
- Hylocereus Costaricensis – This type of fruit is red in coloration on both the shell and in the flesh. The flesh is often a deep red coloration that looks almost unnatural or blood–like.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most cacti, Cereus are fairly, low-maintenance and hardy. Make sure they receive enough water without becoming waterlogged, especially during the summer and fertilize them for best results. If the roots have become black or overly soft, the cactus could be experiencing root rot. Cut away the affected parts and replant. Most gardeners interested in cacti should be able to cultivate these without much problem.
- Soil Requirements – This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the best option for this plant; if it is not available, just ensure that it is well draining soil.
- Fertilizer – To ensure that the dragon fruit is growing properly, give it some fertilizer every month during the active growing season. During the cold winter months, you will want to stop feeding your plant for a few months.
- Water – Because this plant is a cactus plant, it is important to make sure that you are watering it properly. Only water the plant when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, and do not allow the plant to sit in water. The soil needs to be moist, not soaked.
- Light Requirements – The base of the plant can see a little shade, but the tips of the plant require full sun to ensure that the plant blooms properly. If too much shade is given to the plant, the fruit will not do well.
- Temperature Requirements – Dragon fruit will not grow in cold climates, so make sure that the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from occurring to the plant. For optimal growth, the temperature needs to be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit... - Learn more at TIPS: HOW TO GOW AND CARE FOR A CEREUS
Origin
The precise origin of Hylocereus undatus is uncertain and it may be a hybrid.
Links: Back to genus CEREUS
SUCCULENT PLANTS : Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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