Care of the cactus Selenicereus validus or Moonlight Cactus |
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The genus Selenicereus, family Cactaceae, comprises 20 species of epiphytic cacti native to the Caribbean, Central and South America. Some species are: Selenicereus validus, Selenicereus anthonyanus, Selenicereus grandiflorus, Selenicereus hamatus, Selenicereus spinulosus. Common names: Moonlight Cactus, Jungle Cactus. This species is native to southern Mexico and Central America. They are epiphytic cacti with hanging cylindrical stems of a beautiful green color that contrasts with the abundant and fine white thorns along their ribs. The showy white flowers (15 cm/5.9" in diameter) begin to open in the evening and remain open until the early hours of the morning. They bloom during the spring. They are used in hanging pots as a houseplant, patio or greenhouse. In tropical or subtropical climates they are used to cover low walls and in clear understory. Selenicereus validus needs exposure to direct sunlight in the early hours of the day or in the late afternoon. They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil must drain very well and contain abundant brown peat. It's advisable to transplant and renew the soil in spring every 2 years. Water with lime-free water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried. If the plant suffers excessive drought, it produces aerial roots to capture the environmental humidity. Fertilize with cactus and succulent fertilizer once a month from mid-spring to late summer. They do not need pruning. They can be attacked by mealybugs and mites in summer or by fungi if watering is excessive. They are propagated from seeds obtained from their fruits and sown in spring and by stem cuttings also in spring. |
Images of the cactus Selenicereus validus or Moonlight Cactus |
 Selenicereus validus  Selenicereus validus |