Queen of the night (Selenicereus anthonyanus)

El Selenicereus anthonynus It is a type of climbing cactus that is widely used as a hanging plant. It is one of those species of cacti that look great on balconies for example, as well as, of course, in pots attached to the ceiling.

It has a fast growth, but if we add to that that it produces large and very showy flowers, surely we will not be able to resist growing it. Also, although it has a tropical origin, is able to withstand the cold.

Origin and characteristics of Selenicereus anthonynus

El Selenicereus anthonynus, known as queen of the night, is a species of cactus native to southern Mexico. It has characteristic green, lobed, almost flat stems that can measure up to 1 or 1 meters long.. These are perennial, but this does not mean that they always remain on the plant, but rather that as new ones come out, it is normal for the older ones to first turn yellow and then brownish until they are completely dry.

The flowers are very large, 15-17 centimeters in diameter and 10-12 centimeters long.. They are made up of pink bracts (false petals) on the outside, and cream on the center ones. The fruit is oval and measures 6 centimeters; inside we will find small blackish seeds.

How do you take care of yourself?

Cultivate the Selenicereus anthonynus is not difficult. You need relatively little space, as it can grow very well in medium-sized pots, outdoors or indoors with light. It will also look great climbing a tree trunk, as it does not parasitize it in any way.

Although it does not grow much, you have the option of reducing the length of its stems to keep it smaller, but you have to bear in mind that if you do it it is possible that it will produce fewer flowers. Let us know in more detail what your growing requirements are:

Location

• Exterior: it is a cactus that needs light, but it should not be given directly since otherwise it would burn. For this reason it is an ideal option to grow on balconies where the sun does not reach directly, or by letting it climb on a tree.
• Interior- By not requiring as much light as other cacti, it can adapt well to home or greenhouse conditions. Of course, it is important that the room has a lot of clarity, since otherwise it will lose color and strength.

Soil or substrate

• Garden: it will develop in sandy soils with good drainage. In case you have doubts about whether your terrain is like this, dig a hole of about 50 x 50 centimeters and fill it with water. If you see that the earth absorbs it quickly, it is a good sign; but if 10 minutes or more pass and it remains practically the same as when you filled it, we advise you to make a hole of 1 x 1 meter, and fill it with pumice, or gravel.
• Flower pot: it is highly recommended to use substrates such as pumice, or construction sand (also known as gravel, about 3 millimeters thick) mixed with 40% peat.

Irrigation

Irrigation will be moderate as usual. This means that if in your area there are times when temperatures are very high (25ºC or more during the day) and droughts, it will be advisable to water once or twice a week.

On the contrary, in the cold season, with temperatures of 15ºC or less, it will be necessary to space the waterings a lot since the Selenicereus anthonynus it will hardly grow. In fact, it is at this time that the rehydration of the plant should be controlled the most, since it is when the risk of rotting is highest.

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Coinciding with the spring and summer months, we will pay the queen of the night with fertilizers for cacti (for sale No products found.). You have to follow the instructions on the container so that they fulfill their function and there are no problems derived from a possible overdose.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring or summer. The step by step to follow is as follows:

Seeds

1. The first step is to fill a pot with drainage holes with cactus soil.
2. Afterwards, it is watered until the water comes out of these holes.
3. Then, the seeds are placed on the surface, ensuring that they are separated from each other.
4. Next, a plate is placed under the pot, since that will be where we will pour the water every time the substrate dries.
5. Finally, we will leave the pot near a heat source and protected from direct sunlight.

They will germinate in about ten days.

Cuttings

1. To multiply it by cuttings, you have to cut a stem with disinfected scissors.
2. Afterwards, we will leave it for about 7 days in a dry and protected place so that the wound heals.
3. After that time, we will fill a pot of about 6,5 or 8,5 centimeters in diameter with cactus soil and we will water it consciously.
4. Then, we make a small hole in the center, and we plant the cutting. Ideally, it should be a little lying down, so that it roots better.
5. Finally, we will place the pot in a bright area (remember: without direct light), and we will water as the substrate loses its moisture.

If all goes well, in about 15 days we will have a new plant, but we will leave it in that pot until roots grow out of the holes.

Pruning

Can be pruned in spring, or better after flowering, using clean and disinfected scissors.

Transplant

El Selenicereus anthonynus it is transplanted during spring, and only if it has already fully rooted to the point that its roots stick out of the holes in the pot and / or it is seen with the naked eye that it has run out of space.

Rusticity

Withstands weak frosts up to -1,1ºC.

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