Scientific Name
Hylocereus trigonus (Haw.) Saff.
Common Names
Strawberry Pear
Synonyms
Cereus trigonus, Cereus napoleonis, Hylocereus napoleonis, Cereus plumeri, Hylocereus plumeri, Hylocereus antiguensis, Hylocereus triangularis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Hylocereus
Description
Hylocereus trigonus is a sprawling or vining, terrestrial or epiphytic cactus, up to 33 feet (10 m) in length. The stems are fleshy, green, triangular, with 3 or 4 prominent, undulate, longitudinal ribs, up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) wide. The scented, nocturnal flowers are solitary, pendulous, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. The outer tepals are fleshy, green and the inner tepals are white, turning yellowish when mature. The fruit is ovoid, pink-purple, up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) long and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide.
Photo via cactuseros.com
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.
It may become necessary to repot your Cereus if it outgrows its container. If so, make sure the soil is dry and then remove the pot. Knock away old soil and prune away any rotted or dead roots, then replace it in a new pot and backfill with new soil. Make sure 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…. – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Origin
Native to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
Links
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