Contents
Description
Peniocereus Viperinus, commonly known as the Queen of the Night or Pitahaya Dulce, is a flowering cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant is known for its fragrant flowers that bloom at night and close during the day. The flowers are pollinated by moths and bats.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Peniocereus |
Appearance
The Peniocereus Viperinus has long, slender stems that can grow up to 10 feet long. The stems are a bluish-green color and have small spines along the ridges. The plant produces fragrant, white flowers that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom at night and close during the day. The fruit of the plant is a red, sweet, and edible berry.
Care Guide
The Peniocereus Viperinus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a cactus fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix for the plant.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the plant.
- Hardiness Zones: The Peniocereus Viperinus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Peniocereus Viperinus is generally not susceptible to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues:
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in the plant.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can infest the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
- Scale insects: Scale insects can attach to the plant, causing yellowing and dropping of the leaves.
Habitat
The Peniocereus Viperinus is native to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in rocky and sandy soils in desert scrub and thorn-scrub habitats. The plant can also grow in rocky canyons and on hillsides.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water the Peniocereus Viperinus?
A: Water the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: What kind of soil should I use for the Peniocereus Viperinus?
A: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix for the plant.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for the Peniocereus Viperinus?
A: The Peniocereus Viperinus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What is the fruit of the Peniocereus Viperinus?
A: The fruit of the plant is a red, sweet, and edible berry.
Related Plants
- Peniocereus Stramineus
- Peniocereus Greggii
- Peniocereus Serpentinus
References
- “Peniocereus viperinus.” Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
- “Queen of the Night (Peniocereus viperinus).” Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
- “Peniocereus viperinus.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
