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
Sort By:
Sort By:
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

Featured
Lesser Vine Sphinx Moth
(Eumorpha fasciatus)
Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Featured
Lesser Vine Sphinx Moth
(Eumorpha fasciatus)
Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)