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

Synonym:Nyctocereus serpentinus

Synonym:Cereus serpentinus

Synonym:Cactus serpentinus

Synonym:Nyctocereus castellanosii

Synonym:Cereus ambiguus

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

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage

Foliage Color

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)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer

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