Cactacea - Botanical Family

Hanging cactus, stems up to 18 inches long. The stems are spineless. The name Drunkards Dream refers to the fact that the segments are bottle shaped.

Small yellow flowers appear at the end of stems, from spring to early summer.

It tolerates the extreme heat provided that it is not exposed to direct sun, and when kept in an area that doesn't freeze, it doesn't seem to mind the cold weather too much. Grow this epiphyte in humus-rich soil in a humid atmosphere with filtered sun.

There are three species of dragon fruit in the genus Hylocereus and one species in the genus Selenicereus. Varieties of Hylocereus guatemalensis, Hylocereus polyrhizus, and Hylocereus undatus as well as hybrids of these three species are grown commercially worldwide. Selenicereus megalanthus is grown commercially on smaller scales in South America and is especially popular in Columbia.

Related genera: Cereus, Acanthocereus, Echinocereus, Selenicereus, Stenocereus, Escontria, Myrthillocactus.

This climbing cactus is one of the most beautiful and wide spread members of the Cactaceae family. It is a highly prized, vining, fruit bearing cactus is terrestrial/epiphytic plant which is extremely unusual. It's fleshy stems reach up to 30ft. long, climbing onto walls or over trees using aerial roots. Magnificent flowers, stunningly beautiful fruit with an intense color, curious shape, and a delicious taste.

The night blooming white flowers can be up to 14 inches in length. Flowers are vibrant and beautiful and many related species are propagated as ornamentals. They generally bloom only at night, and usually last just one night where pollination is necessary to set fruit.

The fruit is most often eaten chilled and cut in half so the flesh may be spooned out. The juice is used in frozen drinks and it is in a new Tropicana Twister flavor. It is a must have for any collector or gardener with the flair for the unusual. The plants aren't usually too picky as to soil type, but because of their epiphytic nature, it is recommended to grow them in soil that is supplemented with high amounts of organic material. It can be grown successfully in sandy soils, providing shade is sometimes recommended in hot climates. In full production, these plants can have up to 4-6 fruiting cycles per year. Season: May-September.

The dragon fruit flesh can be white, red, or magenta. The red fleshed varieties contain lycopene which is a natural antioxidant known to fight cancer, heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Despite the health benefits and its spectacular appearance, the fruit has gone virtually unnoticed for centuries.

According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire breathing dragons. During a battle when the dragon would breathe fire the last thing to come out would be the fruit. After the dragon is slain the fruit is collected and presented to the Emperor as a coveted treasure and indication of victory. The soldiers would then butcher the dragon and eat the flesh. It was believed that those who feasted on the flesh would be endowed with the strength and ferocity of the dragon and that they too would be coveted by the Emperor. It is written that the dragons flame originates deep within its body near the base of its tail. The meat from this part of the dragon was the most desirable and most sought after portion. Only the officers of each division would be privy to this cut of meat. The ancient Chinese called this cut the jaina, which translates literally to the sweetest and best tasting. The jaina was treasured by all who were privileged enough to taste it, and it is believed that man's thirst for the jaina is what led to the destruction and eventual extinction of all of the dragons.

The mild and juicy fruit is easily cut in half and eaten with a spoon.

Today it is the leading fruit export of Vietnam. It has even caught the attention of Snapple, Tropicana, and Sobe which are just a few of the major labels that have incorporated dragon fruit into their bottled fruit drinks.

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What to do with a Dragon fruit?

Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa (Red Rhipsalis) is a plant native to the Caribbean, with attractive ornamental foliage and clambored cordate stems. It can be grown as a groundcover or low-growing vine or creeper up to two feet in length. Red Rhipsalis prefer full sun and moderate water, but can also tolerate semi-shade and dry conditions. The mature plant is cold hardy at least to 30sF for a short time, so it can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11.

This unique species of cactus will bring a lively and vibrant atmosphere to any garden. The stems are arched then completely pendant and flat, turning a deep violet red in high light. These ribbon stems are also lined on both edges with tiny flowers followed by ornamental shell berries, making the plant even more attractive.

In colder or pot regions, plants can be grown near the house in a sheltered location, or inside a greenhouse or a cool conservatory. When growing Red Rhipsalis in pots, make sure to use a well drained soil and to water it moderately, as too much water can cause it to rot. Additionally, mulching the soil and pinching out the tips can help to encourage fuller growth. This plant requires minimal maintenance and will put up with a wide range of temperatures and conditions, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance, ornamental garden.

It is a member of the Cactus family and therefore has spiny stems. One of the most attractive for use in gardens, it can grow to 9Ft in height but can also be kept pruned into a bushy shrub; it has woody stems, fleshy, pale green leaves, and creamy orange to pinkish flowers followed by funny yellow fruit (see pics). Pereskia likes full sun and dry conditions. Propagation is by means of cuttings. See Cacti page info

Rose Cactus are the only true cactus that have leaves. That being said, it also is very thorny. You forget about how spiny this plant is when you see the gorgeous hot pink flowers. The flowers are nice size and really pretty. It blooms a lot during the warmer weather in full sun. This plant does not like the cold and I would protect in when the weather starts to get in the 30's. This plant may drop all leaves in winter. This rose cactus can also be used to make a Bonsai Tree.

Leuenbergeria quisqueyana, often called Rosa de Bayahibe, is a Dominican endemic plant that grows from large shrub to a small plant measuring between 5-10 ft tall and up to 2-5 ft wide. It boasts beautiful pink flowers, a great addition to any garden.

Leuenbergeria quisqueyana is happiest when grown in full sun or semi-shade and requires moderate watering. It is important that the soil has good drainage, but stays moist during summer and drier in winter. Uncharacteristic of most cacti, L. quisqueyana cuttings should immediately be planted in a moist soil mixture as soon as they are taken.

This lovely shrub is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and should tolerate cold temperatures, although they may require some protection if winter temperatures drop below freezing. To care for it during the colder months, it is best to grow it in containers and bring the pot indoors to a bright and warm spot.

Growers find that this cactus is easy to grow in full sun, even in dry conditions. It is best to mimic their natural environment and give the totem pole cactus a well-drained soil. Make sure to use a pot with good drainage built in. For colder regions, the plant should be kept in a pot and moved indoors for the winter months.

Lophocereus schottii var. monstrosus forms a small shrub that grows 2-5 ft in height. Once established, they need very little supplemental water, especially during the hot summer months. During the rainy and winter seasons, the soil can be kept evenly moist.

This ornamental succulent offers interesting foliage and flowers, making it a great choice for gardens and landscaping. This hardy cactus variety is sure to make an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space, making it an ideal choice in USDA Zones 9-11.

Mammillaria is a large genus of mostly small globular or cylindrical cacti, native primarily to Mexico, with some species extending into the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. What sets them apart from many other cacti is their stem structure: rather than continuous ribs, the surface is composed of individual tubercles, often densely covered in spines that can be fine and hairlike, rigidly hooked, or arranged in decorative radial patterns.

Species vary widely - some form solitary stems, others spread into dense clumping colonies. Most produce rings or crowns of flowers near the stem's apex in shades of white, cream, yellow, pink, red, or magenta, typically followed by elongated brightly colored fruits with small black seeds.

Mammillaria generally prefer bright light, fast-draining mineral-rich soils, and careful watering with good drying periods between irrigations. Most adapt well to container culture, rock gardens, and greenhouse collections. Cold tolerance varies by species, but many suit USDA Zones 9-11, and some hardier forms can briefly withstand lower temperatures when kept dry.

Sometimes individual plants may be almost entirely spineless, while other specimens are covered with spines or have spines missing on parts of the plant.

Commonly known as Bilberry Cactus or Blue Candle, Myrtillocactus geometrizans is a small tree that can grow up to 10-20 feet. It is native to Mexico, where plants tend to remain unbranched for many years.

The plant prefers to grow in full sun and should receiving moderate amounts of water. Its white to off-white flower are quite small and bell-shaped, but they attract many butterflies and hummingbirds. It is also known for its thorny or spiny stems that can be found in USDA Zone 9-11.

The fruit of this cactus small and round, with a sweet flavor and plenty of vitamins and other healthy benefits. The fruit ripens in late summer and in optimal conditions, each plant can produce up to 200 fruits in one season. It is commonly used in Mexico and other countries to make jams, jellies, juice, and pies.

In cold climates, this plant can be grown in a pot. Recommended soil should be well-draining so that it doesn't suffocate the roots of the plant. Careful watering is also essential; it should be watered when the soil dries, but in moderation so that it doesn't cause overwatering. The flower of Bilberry Cactus are sensitive to cold, so it is best not to expose them too much to the cold temperatures of winter.