Exposure & Location

Hylocereus Undatus enjoys bright light with a few hours of direct sunlight to maintain vigorous growth and encourage future flowering.

• Exposure: bright light to direct sunlight (a few hours per day).
• Ideal: sunny south-facing windowsill, bright veranda, or balcony in warm seasons.
• Temperature: 18 to 30 °C, tolerates heat but is sensitive to frost.
• Substrate: very well-draining, cactus-specific (cactus soil + perlite + sand).

Verdeia tip: the more light it receives, the more compact and vigorous its stems will be, increasing the chances of future flowering.

Watering & Care

• Watering: low; allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings.
• Frequency: about once every 2-3 weeks in spring-summer, even less in winter.
• Drainage: absolutely essential — use a pot with drainage holes and very well-draining substrate.
• Humidity: tolerates dry air, no need for misting.
• Fertilizer: once a month in spring-summer with diluted liquid cactus fertilizer.
• Winter rest: greatly reduce watering in autumn-winter (maximum once a month).

Better to underwater than overwater — excess water causes stems to rot quickly.

Decor Ideas & Plant Combinations

With its graphic triangular stems and exotic origin, Hylocereus Undatus becomes a fascinating conversation plant. It deserves a bright spot where its architectural stems can be admired.

• To pair with: other cacti (Opuntia, Cereus), succulents (Echeveria, Aloe), or graphic plants to create a modern dry garden.
• Ideal pot: decorative pot in terracotta, matte ceramic, or modern pot to highlight the green stems.
• Ambiance: perfect on a sunny windowsill, bright shelf, or mixed cactus arrangement.

With time and good conditions, it can produce spectacular white nocturnal flowers 25-30 cm long, followed by edible dragon fruits!

Verdeia Tips

• Maintain consistent bright light — in shade, stems become elongated and thin.
• Absolutely avoid overwatering — it is the main cause of rot.
• In winter, drastically reduce watering to respect its vegetative rest.
• Stake the stems as they grow if you want a climbing habit.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring into fresh, very well-draining substrate.
• Flowering only occurs after several years on mature plants — be patient!
• Handle with care — small spines can prick.

Technical Specifications

• Botanical name: Hylocereus undatus
• Common name: Dragon fruit cactus, Pitaya, Tortoise paddle
• Family: Cactaceae
• Origin: Central America and Mexico
• Dimensions at delivery: Ø11 × H15 cm
• Adult size: up to 3-6 m long (climbing or trailing)
• Exposure: bright light to direct sunlight
• Watering: low, allow to dry completely between waterings
• Care: easy
• Toxicity to animals: non-toxic
• Decorative style: Graphic / Modern / Exotic
• Special feature: produces edible dragon fruit (on mature plants)

Each plant is unique: the shape and number of stems naturally vary, creating a unique silhouette for each specimen.