Queen of the Night
Synonym: Piptanthocereus bageanus, Cereus hildmannianus ssp. xanthocarpus, Piptanthocereus xanthocarpus, Cereus xanthocarpus, Cereus neonesioticus, Cereus milesimus, Cereus peruvianus, Piptanthocereus neonesioticus
Family: Cactaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 12-13,16,17,21-24 USDA: 9-11 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 15°F (-10°C) Minimum Avg. Temperature: 45°F (7°C) Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina Growth Habits: Columnar cactus branching from the base, up to 30 feet tall (9 m), clump up to 15 feet in diameter (4.5 m), stems are 5-7 inches in diameter (12-17 cm), often no spines on younger stems, spines grow progressively as the stem ages. Watering Needs: Does best with moderate water and monthly application of fertilizer in summer Propagation: One of the easiest cactus to propagate by cuttings |
This species is popular in cultivation and often encountered in southern Californian gardens, as well as in Phoenix. The stems have 5 to 8 narrow ribs with areoles 1-inch apart. Depending on the variety, the areoles are either almost spineless (C. hildmannianus) or with 7 radial spines and a central spine, measuring around 0.4 inch long (1 cm).
Blooming Habits:
The 6-inch (15 cm), white, flowers open at night. They are followed by large, red, egg shaped fruits that split open when ripe.
Fruiting Habits:
Propagation:
Seeds, cuttings
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
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