Hylocereus trigonus (Strawberry Pear)

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) long. 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 and 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.

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.

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.

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

Hylocereus trigonus is native to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Links

• Back to genus Hylocereus
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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