Hylocereus Species, Costa Rican Night Blooming Cactus, Purple Dragon Fruit, Strawberry Pear Cactus

Hylocereuscostaricensis

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Hylocereus (hy-loh-KER-ee-us)
Species
costaricensis (kos-tah-ree-KEN-sis)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
20-30 ft. (6-9 m)
30-40 ft. (9-12 m)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Vines and Climbers
Cactus and Succulents
Epiphytes
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Tempe, Arizona

San Marino, California

Brandon, Florida

Melbourne, Florida

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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C
(Zone 10b) | October 2009 | positive

We have this plant growing on top of a rock wall. Very interesting to watch the development of the bloom.The blooms start to open here ab...Read More

2
Fruitland, ID (Zone 9b) | June 2008 | positive

This cactus grows great in full blazing sun with little to no water. Triangular stock with large spines. Upward climbing habit will wind...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | May 2005 | positive

aggressive, but very attractive tree climber... roots into trunks. Can be an epiphyte. Supposedly has great blooms, but never been to t...Read More

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