Hylocereus undatus or Night-Blooming Cereus, is widespread in the American tropics. The stems are 3-winged and green with wings that are 1 to 2 inches wide. Areoles are about 1 ½ inches (4.5 cm) apart with 1 to 5 spines to 5/32 of an inch (1 cm) long. They climb by use of aerial roots and can reach a height 30 feet (~10 meters) or more growing on rocks and trees. As indicated by the name, the blooms appear at night and soon close after the day starts.
Blooming Time: In late spring to early summer the very large white fragrant flowers adorn the plant. Individual flower are 14 inches (35 cm) long by 12 inches (30 cm) across ... very showy! If pollinated, they produce edible red fruits up to 5 inches (12 cm) long.
Culture: Hylocereus undatus need full sun to partial shade with intermediate to warm temperatures.
Propagation: Hylocereus undatus is propagated by cutting or by seed in the spring. Seed should be sown in well-drained compost and should germinate in 14 to 28 days at 65° to 70° F (18° - 21° C).
