If you ’ve ever make out across the condition “ nighttime - blooming cacti , ” you might be astonished at the wonders of Hylocereus . These unequalled plants are not only fascinating but also farm delicious fruits known as pitayas , pitahayas , or dragonfruits . Interestingly , back in 2017 , scientific studies showed that the Hylocereus cacti in reality belong to the Selenicereus genus . In uncomplicated terminal figure , they belong to a larger family of cacti call Selenicereus . So , get ready to delve into the public of these extraordinary cactus and bring out all there is to know about their wizardly fruit and becharm nature .
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Types Of Hylocereus Cacti
Hylocereus costaricensis is also known as the Red - Fleshed Dragonfruit .
Native to tropic and subtropical regions , theHylocereus guatemalensisis grown extensively in Australia , South America , Asia , Mexico , and certain regions in the United States . The fruit from these wax cactus vines are deemed quite alien .
Hylocereus megalanthus is also known as the Yellow Dragonfruit .
Hylocereus monacanthus has its origins in various station in Central and South America , some of which include Colombia , Ecuador , Costa Rica , Panama , Peru and Venezuela .
Hylocereus ocamponis is a cactus plant that is mainly native to office of California and Florida in the United States . This plant grow in the form of a columnar bole that then branches out into various stems . The stem all have ribs or ridge that then give ascent to key and radiate white-hot spines .
Hylocereus polyrhizusis a plant that yield another variety of eatable and heavy Draco fruit . It is primarily discover in Panama and Colombia . This plant grows in the form of multiple light-green cylindric halt that normally veer and grow in a downward direction .
Hylocereus setaceus is native to parts of Bolivia , Brazil , Paraguay and Argentina . you could generally get hold them in teetotal forested regions and shoring .
Hylocereus stenopterusbears white and pinkish flowers that incline to flower during the nights and close up once it brightens up . It is also referred to as the “ orchid cactus ” due to its clear-cut flowers .
Hylocereus triangularisis also known as the Strawberry Pear .
Hylocereus undatus is more commonly lie with as the Night - Blooming Cereus .
Taking Care of Hylocereus Cacti
Hylocereus cacti are popular among plant fancier worldwide because they thrive in controlled atmospheric condition . If you ’re planning to rise them at home , here ’s what you postulate to know .
Light
These cacti honey sunlight , especially when they bloom . ensure they obtain full sunlight , except when temperatures exceed 80 ° F . In high temperature , put up fond nuance ( 50 - 60 % shade ) to prevent hurt . think , at least 40 % unmediated sun is all-important for sizeable growing and fruitful solution .
Watering
Like other cacti , Hylocereus does n’t need much water . guarantee the filth drains well , allowing water to turn over through instead of pooling on the airfoil or in the pot . Water the plant only when the soil feel wry to the touch , moistening it without over - soaking . During the flowering and fruiting time of year , water every 3 - 7 Day to keep the soil moist . In non - flowering and wintertime months , once a month is sufficient .
Soil
flaxen soil with a slightly acidulent pH ( 6.1 to 7.5 ) is idealistic for Hylocereus cacti . If you do n’t have flaxen stain , any well - drain soil commixture will work . fend off alkaline soil , which may make nutritious insufficiency . Salty ground is in the main tolerated well .
Fertilizing
Only fertilize during the active growing season using organic fertilizers with moderate nitrogen contentedness . void fertilizing during the flower season or cold winter calendar month . To protect the theme and conserve moisture , apply constituent mulch over the root zone .
Climate
Hylocereus cacti require temperature above 40 ° F to avoid damage . The best temperatures for growth are between 65 and 80 ° degree Fahrenheit , making tropical and semitropical climates idealistic .
Pests and Diseases
Watch out for aphid , mealybugs , hint , thrips , andants . These cuss can harm the industrial plant and its sap . Fungal infection can cause brownish spots on the stems , while bacterial infections pass to soft stem buncombe . Overwatering can cause root rot , and inordinate sun exposure can result in sunburn .
Pruning
As climbing cacti , Hylocereus requires keep during growth . Remove side arm until the works is magniloquent enough to get hold of a trellis . Support it with a slurred rope until it can support itself . Prune any dead , diseased , or damage parts . Cut halt that crowd or interpose with harvest home .
Potting and Repotting
Plant Hylocereus cacti in well - debilitate , enriched soil with shade as mentioned earlier . apply a post - and - top frame for support . Repot only if the works outgrow its pot or if root rot is suspect . A bombastic gage ( at least 15 gallons ) that drain well is ideal .
Propagation of Hylocereus Cacti
Using Seeds
Using Cuttings
By following these tone - by - step instructions , you could successfully propagate Hylocereus cacti and savour their beautiful blossom and delicious yield for age to hail !
