Scientific Name
Selenicereus pteranthus (Link ex A. Dietr.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Princess of the Night, Snake Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cereus antoini, Cereus nycticallus, Cereus pteranthus, Selenicereus pteranthus f. pteranthus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Selenicereus
Description
Selenicereus pteranthus is a much-branched pendent cactus with long, clambering or pendent stems with 4 to 6 ribs lined with areoles up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, each bearing 1 to 5 short spines. The stems are regularly branched and can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) long and up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. They are green to bluish-green and can become purplish along the ribs.
The spectacular, fragrant flowers have brown, orange, rarely yellow outer tepals and white inner tepals and appear from areoles along the branch edges year-round. They are trumpet-shaped and can reach 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The fruits are red, spherical, measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter, and are hidden by short, yellowish, bristlelike spines and long, white, hairlike spines.
Origin
Selenicereus pteranthus is native to the central and northern islands of the Lucayan Archipelago and Cuba, Hispaniola, and Mexico. It was introduced in Central America and the United States (Florida).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °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 then remove the pot. Knock away old soil, prune out rotted or dead roots, then replace it in a new pot and backfill it with new 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.
See 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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