Selenicereus validus: Care and Propagation Guide
Selenicereus validus belongs to the Selenicereus genus of the Cactaceae family. This plant is a flowering cactus that originates in parts of South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico. This plant is often called the moonlight cactus.
A single branch grows forth and then separates out into multiple thick, cylindrical and downward-facing stems covered in white spines. This plant also blooms long white and gold flowers in the summer that tend to open up during the night.
Related Post:
31 Types of Selenicereus With Pictures
Contents
How To Care For Selenicereus validus
Caring for Selenicereus validus is all about maintaining the right balance between water, light and nutrition. You do not need to water Selenicereus validus more than once a week, especially if the climate is temperate or humid.
If the plant has been kept indoors, make sure to put it by a window where it can get enough bright, albeit indirect sunlight. This light is important as this is how the plant will carry out photosynthesis and generate its food and nutrition.
Since this type of plant also does not require too much water, you should be careful about using commercial fertilizers that are too strong. You will not be able to water and dilute these fertilizers down and will risk fertilizer burn.
Other than that, be sure to maintain the right balance in the plant’s environment. Give it ample natural light, fresh air and just the right amount of water. Selenicereus validus does not require a lot of management as long as you are doing the basic things right.
How To Propagate Selenicereus validus
Selenicereus validus is best propagated through cuttings of its stem. If you already have a parent plant that you wish to propagate, you can even take multiple cuttings.
Then plant the cuttings in a shallow pot with a drainage hole. You will need a special soil mix for this type of cactus as regular soil will not drain water in the way a cactus needs. Water the soil just so it is damp, but not wet.
The next step is to simply allow the cuttings to take root and grow. Do not overwater the cuttings. Like any other cactus or succulent, Selenicereus validus also requires watering only once a week. Also, ensure the plant gets just the right amount of light but not intense afternoon heat that may scorch the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Selenicereus validus like humidity?
Selenicereus validus plants are generally regarded as rainforest cacti and not desert plants. Therefore, they are used to a certain degree of humidity.
In fact, if the weather is too arid and dry, then there is a chance that the Selenicereus validus will not thrive as well. It is important for the soil to be damp and hold moisture, while also draining effectively without allowing the water to accumulate at the bottom.
Does Selenicereus validus like the sun?
Cacti in general like the morning sun over the full blast of the afternoon heat. It certainly needs a lot of natural light but it is best when the light is filtered so that the scorching heat does not char the plant or dehydrate the cactus too much. So if you are caring for Selenicereus validus, find a spot that is more or less in the shade, but which gets plenty of sun before noon.
How long does it take for Selenicereus validus to bloom?
If you have propagated the cactus from a cutting, it can easily take up to three years to finally start blooming flowers. The cutting will take some time to sprout branches and develop into a new plant by itself.
Once the plant begins to flower, they will bloom annually around springtime and the flowers are likely to stay until the beginning of summer.
