Scientific Name
Hylocereus trigonus (Haw.) Saff.
Common Name(s)
Strawberry Pear
Synonym(s)
Cereus trigonus, Cereus napoleonis, Hylocereus napoleonis, Cereus plumeri, Hylocereus plumeri, Hylocereus antiguensis, Hylocereus triangularis, Selenicereus triangularis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Hylocereus
Description
Hylocereus trigonus is a terrestrial or epiphytic cactus with many green sprawling or vining branches with 3 or 4 prominent undulate ribs. The stems are thick, fleshy, up to 33 feet (10 m) long, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. Flowers are scented, nocturnal, funnel-shaped, and up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. The outer tepals are fleshy and green, and the inner tepals are white, turning yellowish when mature. Fruits are oval, pink-purple, up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
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. Ensure 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.
It may become necessary to repot your Cereus if it outgrows its container. If so, ensure the soil is dry and remove the pot. Knock away old soil and prune away any rotted or dead roots, then replace it in a new pot and backfill it with fresh soil. Ensure not to overwater cacti planted in new pots, as this can lead to root rot. It should be left dry for about a week and then watered lightly.
These cacti propagate quite easily from cuttings. Simply sever a branch and replant in moist, well-drained soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Origin
This species is native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Links
- Back to genus Hylocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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