Peniocereus Species, Queen of the Night, Serpent Cactus, Snake Cactus

Peniocereusserpentinus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Peniocereus (pen-ee-oh-KER-ee-us)
Species
serpentinus (ser-pen-TEE-nus)
Synonym
Nyctocereus serpentinus
Cereus serpentinus
Cactus serpentinus
Nyctocereus castellanosii
Cereus ambiguus
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Canoga Park, California

Casselberry, Florida

Milton, Florida

Tampa, Florida

Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes

Brazoria, Texas

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | September 2006 | neutral

More synonyms of this plant are Cereus splendens, Cactus ambiguus & Echinocereus serpentinus.
Other common names are "Mexican Nigh...Read More

K
K
L.A. (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) | April 2003 | positive

This is one of several species known as queen of the night. It is a night-blooming cactus. The flowers only last one night. The flower...Read More

Featured
Mimosa Skipper
(Cogia calchas)
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)
Featured
Mimosa Skipper
(Cogia calchas)
Blue Jay
(Cyanocitta cristata)