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Cactus SucculentConservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Heliocereus speciosus
  • RHS AGM

sun cactus

Has slender, angled, erect or ascending stems with yellow to pale brown spines and trumpet-shaped red flowers to 17cm across, the sepals tinged with purple

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Pink
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Heliocereus are perennial cacti with ribbed, erect or trailing stems, spiny on the ribs, with large funnel-shaped flowers in early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light and high humidity. During the growing season water moderately and feed with a half strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Keep just moist in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19 - 21°C in early spring or by offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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