Scientific Name
Disocactus speciosus (Cav.) Barthlott
Common Names
Sun Cereus
Synonyms
Cereus speciosus (basionym), Heliocereus speciosus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Disocactus
Description
Disocactus speciosus is a much-branched, occasionally epiphytic cactus with erect or pendant stems that are reddish at first but become dark green. The stems have 3 to 5 sharp wavy ribs and 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. Flowers are large, pink to purplish-red, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long with a green tube with reddish scales and white hairs. Edible red ovoid fruits are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Disocactus should be grown in a rich but still well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly and fertilized as well. This is essential for good growth and flowering. During the growing period, the plants need frequent watering; from October to March and waterings should be rather abundant, so that the soil becomes completely soaked, but let dry between watering. Keep relatively dry in winter, or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Disocactus dislike extreme heat and cold, so they are best green-housed during the depth of winter and heat of summer in hot, dry climates. They also prefer shade to sun, and like a little extra humidity in the air. Flowering in spring and summer, the flower color varies from white, yellow, red, or purple depending on species.
Disocactus can be reproduced both by seeds and cuttings. See more at How to Grow and Care for Disocactus.
Origin
Native to Central Mexico.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Disocactus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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