Have you seen those bizarre , tentacle - like cacti that seem to be taking over social media ? With their thick , string up stems cover in prankish spines , they appear like something directly out of a sci - fi horror movie . But do n’t be afraid – these strange flora are just the incredibly unique Selenicereus validus , also know as the “ moonlight cactus . ” And trust us , you ’re perish to want one for your own collection after reading this !
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About Selenicereus validus
Native to parts of South , Central , and North America as well as the Caribbean , Selenicereus validus is a night - blooming cactus from the Cactaceae crime syndicate . A single shank initially spring up upright before branch off into multiple thick , cylindrical segments that hang downwardly , covered in a coat of repelling white spines . In summer , it produces stunning whitened and aureate peak that only open at night , live up to its “ moonlight ” name .
These exotic - similar plant have cause a social medium craze with their outlandish , tentacle - esque appearance . But despite their freak factor , Selenicereus validus is in reality easy to manage for if you get it on what it needs . Let ’s plunge into the tips for go on this funky cactus fly high !
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Selenicereus validus Care Guide
Light Needs
While they look like desert dwellers , these rainforest cacti do n’t jazz intense , verbatim sunlight . shoot for for brilliant , collateral light like from an east or west - front windowpane . If growing indoors , place under agrow lightfor 12 - 14 hours per Clarence Day , keeping the tripping 12 - 18 inches away from the industrial plant .
Water
These cacti are habitual to rainforest humidity levels but do n’t require frequent watering . Only weewee when the soil is completely dry , give the plant a deep soak until water seeps from the drainage gob . In winter , cut back to watering every 4 - 6 weeks .
Soil
drain is key for Selenicereus validus . Use awell - draining cactus land intermixture , or make your own by combining 2 part potting soil , 2 part vulgar Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin or perlite , and 1 part small gravel or suppress granite . The chunky grain reserve excess wet to escape .
Fertilizer
Feed your Moon cactus monthly in spring and summertime with a balanced , piss - solublecactus fertilizerdiluted to half strength . Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer which advance plush , hungry growth .
Temperature
Selenicereus validusthrivesin average home temperatures of 65 ° F-80 ° F during the sidereal day , and 60 ° F-65 ° F at night . Protect from dusty drafts and freezing temps .
How To Propagate Selenicereus validus
easy reproduce your plant life collection by propagating Selenicereus validus fromstem cuttings :
Whether you ’re a succulent fanatic or only love bizarre botanic marvel , the capriciously absorbing Selenicereus validus is a must - have for your collection . With their alien - like tentacles and recherche night flower , these depleted - maintenance cacti are certain to earn you hordes of jealous likes on social media !
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Selenicereus validus like humidity?
Yes , theserainforestcacti thrive in eminent humidity environment . Allow the territory to quell slightly dampen between watering and obscure the flora from time to time . Aim for 50 - 60 % humidness levels if possible .
Does Selenicereus validus like the sun?
Selenicereus validus prefer vivid , filtered light ormorning / evening sunshine . Direct good afternoon ray of light can blacken the dangling base . Indoors , locate in an east or W - facing windowpane or use a grow light .
How long does it take for Selenicereus validus to bloom?
If propagate from a slip , it can take 2 - 3 years before the industrial plant is fledged enough to bloom . Once established , the moonlight cactus will bloom annually in late spring to former summer , with the fragrant clean and chickenhearted blooms possibility at Nox .
