Hylocereus undatus (Dragon Fruit Cactus)

Hylocereus undatus, the Dragon Fruit Cactus, is the climbing jungle cactus behind the famous pink dragon fruit, or pitaya. Its bold, three sided green stems scramble and trail as they grow, and given time, warmth and light a mature plant produces huge, fragrant flowers that open for a single night.

Origins

Unlike the spiny desert cacti, Hylocereus is an epiphytic jungle cactus from the tropical Americas, where it climbs tree trunks with clinging aerial roots. That makes it an easy, fast growing choice that sits comfortably among our cacti and succulents and, more specifically, our jungle cacti.

Light and water

Give it the brightest spot you have, with a few hours of direct sun to build strong stems and, eventually, flowers. Water thoroughly, then let the compost dry out almost fully before watering again. It is a forgiving, beginner friendly plant that would rather be too dry than too wet.

Flowers, fruit and pets

With age, warmth and good light a happy plant can flower and even set dragon fruit indoors, though it needs room to climb to reach that stage. It is also non toxic, so it earns a place among our pet safe houseplants, though the stems can carry small spines, so a careful spot is still wise.