What's going on w/this Moon Cactus?

Does anyone have any ideas as to what is going on w/this "Moon Cactus"? I've had it for 1 1/2 yrs. It had a red bulb at the top that has dried up and fallen off. Since then, it has grown a couple of notches. If you'll notice on the top notch, Some wiry looking something is growing out. Is anyone familiar w/the cactus? Can you tell me about the different stages and give me some care tips? How can I get that little red bulb back that fell off? Any help, suggestions, etc., is greatly appreciated!!!

Missie :)

Wow! that is really strange looking. Almost creepy like alien. LOL. I look forward to the answer to your question. Weird.

The red bulb which fell off was the actual moon cactus (Gynoclycium mihanovichii) which was grafted onto another cactus species (most likely Hylocereus polyrhizus) of which you have the remains. The grafting is done to supply the required nourishment to the mihanovichii top since it in itself can't do that do to missing Chlorophyll.
So sorry, but you need to buy a new one if you want to get the red ball back :)

Now that the bottom cactus (Hylocereus polyrhizus) dosen't have to feed the Red Ball Cactus, it can grow new branches of itself, and it looks like roots on the new top branch. [;-}

The moon part of my cactus died a while back and I didn't get around to putting the rest of the plant in the compost pile, so it sprouted like yours. Mine didn't grow the aerial roots, though. That must be a humidity thing.

I have a 13 years old cactus that was originally being used to support a Gymnocalycium. The exact same thing happened (the red ball dried and fell down, and the support plant started to grow). It is one of my toughest plants, tolerating all kinds of soil and moisture conditions through these years.

No flowers so far.

Hylocereus are arboreal plants..they climb trees and live in the canopy of tropical forests. The arieal roots attach to the tree limbs and trunks to give it support and some nurishment.

Thank you sooo much for all the replies!
So, any suggestions as to what I should do w/it? If anything at all? Should I put it in a larger pot, or just let it keep going? Should I plant it outside in one of my little gardens? I'm in a very humid climate and we do not have much of a winter in these parts!

Thnx., Missie :)

It will thrive in hot and humid conditions..its like it's home! But can't be allowed to freeze.If you have frost in your area..grow it in a pot and protect in winter .It will sprawl all over so put it on a trellis or let it climb a tree.

I will do! We do not have much of a winter here. It's rare for it to frost here. No more than 1-2 weeks, if that much! Thank you!

Missie :)

Do you think I can plant it in the ground in this region? I'm in zone 9.

Missie :~)