Frost Tolerance: Keep above 50°F (10°C)
Origin: Central Mexico
Growth Habits: Occasionally epiphytic, much branched, erect at first, stems reddish at first and then dark red, 3 to 5 sharp wavy ribs, 0.4 inch high; areoles 1.2 in. apart (3 cm), with whitish felt; 5 to 8 spines at first, 0.4 to 0.6 in. long (1-1.5 cm), yellowish.
Watering Needs: Regular water
Propagation: Cuttings
A variety of D. speciosus with thicker 7-angled stems, reddish growing tops and glossy cinnabar red flowers was described as Heliocereus superbus. Heliocereus serratus, here also included in D. speciosus, has 4-angled (occasionally 3-angled) shorter stems, with serrated angles and stiff brownish spines.
Blooming Habits:
Large pink to purplish-red flowers, up to 6 inches long (15 cm) with tuberculate ovary, green tube with reddish scales and white hairs. Edible red ovoid fruit, 1.2 to 2 inches long (3-5 cm).
A white flowered form of this species from Amecameca (Mexico State) was described as Heliocereus amecamensis.
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