Scientific Name
Selenicereus costaricensis (F.A.C.Weber) S.Arias & N.Korotkova ex Hammel
Common Name(s)
Costa Rican Nightblooming Cactus, Costa Rican Pitaya, Costa Rican Dragon Fruit, Red-fleshed Dragon Fruit, Red-fleshed Pitaya, Purple Pitaya, Purple Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cereus costaricensis, Cereus trigonus var. costaricensis, Hylocereus costaricensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Selenicereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "costaricensis" (pronounced "kos-tah-ree-KEN-sis") means "of or from Costa Rica" and refers to Costa Rica, where this species was first discovered.
Origin
The native range of Selenicereus costaricensis extends from Nicaragua to northern Peru, including Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It occurs in dry or deciduous coastal forests, at elevations ranging from sea level to 4,600 feet (1,400 m).
Description
Selenicereus costaricensis, formerly known as Hylocereus costaricensis, is an intriguing cactus with leathery, fleshy stems that have three ribs, each lined with tiny clusters of short spines. Even though it is ground-dwelling, the slender, leafless stems flop and clamber like a vine, gaining support from tree trunks, rocks, or walls.
It is renowned for its large, white, nocturnal flowers that are very short-lived. In summer, large flower buds arise on the stems. Each opens at night and remains open for a few hours, releasing perfume to attract bat pollinators. The pale yellow-green bud leaves fold back, resembling petals that surround the actual white petals. The flowers can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and are nearly equal in diameter. The edible fruits, called Pitaya or Dragon Fruits, that follow weeks later are oval, vibrant red, and contain purple pulp and tiny, black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Selenicereus costaricensis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Like most cacti, Cereus are fairly low-maintenance and hardy. Ensure they receive sufficient water without becoming waterlogged, especially during the summer, and fertilize them for optimal 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, then remove the pot. Knock away old soil and prune away rotted or dead roots. Then, replace it in a new pot and backfill with fresh soil. Ensure that cacti are not overwatered when 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. Sever a branch and replant in moist, well-drained soil.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Links
- Back to genus Selenicereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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