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Selenicereus undatus

Selenicereus undatus

5 Stars(189 Business Reviews)

Regular price£4.99

ø 5cm pot | 10cm foliage

Add these products:

Complete Organic Plant Food – 50ml
Potting Mix
Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'

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Useful Information

Plant Bio

Hylocereus undatus is now known as Selenicereus undatus, it is part of the Cactaceae family and its native range is Mexico to Honduras where it grows as a succulent epiphyte primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome.

It is commonly known as dragon fruit or pitaya as it produces an edible fruit. It is valued for its long, jointed, climbing stems and large, dramatic, night-blooming flowers. This vigorous plant can clamber over other structures, producing aerial roots to anchor itself. Its most famous feature is the brightly coloured, often red or pink, scaly fruit, which contains a white, fleshy pulp dotted with tiny black seeds.

The genus name Hylocereus comes from Greek words meaning "wood-cactus," referring to its forest-dwelling nature. Selenicereus comes from the Greek Σελήνη (Selene), the Moon Goddess, this is in reference to the night bloom. The specific epithet is a Latin word meaning "wavy," describing the margins of its stems. Common names like "dragon fruit" or "pitaya" refer to its distinctive fruit.

Light: This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sun, particularly in the morning or late afternoon, intense midday sunlight can scorch its stems. In a UK home, a bright spot in a conservatory or near a sunny window is crucial for healthy growth and potential flowering.

Water: Water moderately during the active growing season (spring and summer), allowing the potting mix to dry out somewhat between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to rot. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter when the plant is less active. Despite being a cactus, it appreciates more regular watering than desert cacti when in growth.

Soil: A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential. A specialist epiphytic cactus mix, or a blend of general potting compost with ample perlite and orchid bark, is ideal to mimic its natural growing conditions and ensure proper aeration.

Fertilising: Use a diluted liquid fertiliser every three to four weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). A fertiliser formulated for cacti or orchids is suitable. Reduce or stop fertilising during the cooler, dormant months.

Temperature: This cactus prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 18-29°C during the growing season. It is not frost-tolerant and must be protected from temperatures below 10°C, which can cause damage. If grown outdoors in the UK, it should be brought indoors before temperatures drop.

Humidity: Selenicereus undatus appreciates moderate to higher humidity levels, characteristic of its native rainforest habitat. While it can adapt to average indoor humidity in the UK, occasional misting or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can be beneficial, especially in drier indoor environments with central heating.

Growth Habit: It has a vigorous vining or climbing growth habit, with long, jointed stems that can extend significantly. As a hemi-epiphytic cactus, it produces aerial roots to cling to surfaces. Providing sturdy support, such as a trellis or post, is essential for its vertical development and to encourage fruiting.

Toxicity: Selenicereus undatus is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, with its fruit being widely consumed. However, like many cacti, its stems may have small spines or sharp edges, so exercise caution when handling to prevent physical injury. Keep it out of reach of children and animals to avoid accidental contact with any spines.

Delivery & Returns

General

Please be aware that your plant may vary from the picture as this is a living item. Variations of shape and colour are perfectly natural and to be expected. We will send you a plant as close to the picture and description as possible. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock unless stated otherwise.

Shipping & Delivery

We now ship fresh plants directly from our trusted growers in the Netherlands, typically arriving within 3-5 business days. Read more about our realtionship with the Netherlands here. Shipping costs vary depending on your location and chosen option, with details available at checkout. We carefully package your plants to ensure safe arrival, and our customer support team is here to help with any issues. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your delivery, and we currently ship to all UK addresses. Please review our return policy for plants, and note that some species may have shipping restrictions.

Returns

We guarantee our plants 14 day from receipt. We guarantee to send happy and healthy plants, however, it is your responsibility to care for them and we cannot be held responsible for neglect or mis care. Please send us a picture within 24 hours of receiving your plant and we'll help you out with your issue.

If returning your order, please keep all original packaging and use this to send the plant back to us. This will ensure the plant is kept as safe as possible on its return.

To allow the plant to acclimatise in its new home, there should be no repotting of the plant for a minimum of 14 days after receipt. If any plant has been repotted or a cutting has been taken then we are not able to accept returns.

We are happy to replace your plant if it is very badly damaged in transport. The loss of a leaf in transport on a healthy plant should not generally be cause for any concern. We cannot give a refund for snapped leaves.

FAQ'S

Where do you ship from?

We now ship directly from our trusted growers in The Netherlands.

Why do we ship from the Netherlands?

Here's a summary of the main benefits you will experience due to us direct shipping from our growers:

Massive increase in variety: You will have access to hundreds more houseplant options, allowing you to find the perfect plants.
Higher quality plants: Sourcing directly from Dutch growers ensures plants are expertly cared for and in peak condition when they arrive at your door.
Fresher plants: Direct shipping means plants spend less time in transit, arriving fresher and healthier.
Unique and rare finds: You'll now be able to discover unusual and hard-to-find plant varieties that were previously unavailable.
More sustainable: Direct shipping reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste.

How long does shipping take?

Typically, you can expect your plants to arrive within 3-5 business days of placing your order. We pack UK orders on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Orders packed on Tuesday's normally arrive on Thursday and orders packed on Thursday's normally arrive over the weekend (sometimes Monday at the latest!). Ask our virtual assistant the shipping times to your location for a more detailed answer.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping on all order under £74.99 costs £6.99. Free shipping on all orders above £74.99. You can view the full details of our shipping costs at checkout.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on all orders above £74.99. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our website to be updated with all our latest promotions.

Why can't I choose store pick-up?

To bring you an even wider variety of the freshest, highest quality plants, we've partnered directly with growers in the Netherlands. This exciting change means we can no longer offer store pickup, but you'll now have access to hundreds more beautiful plants delivered straight to your door!

Why is there a minimum order on the webshop?

To make our new direct shipping model from the Netherlands as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, we've implemented a £24.99 minimum order. This allows us to optimise shipping and reduce unnecessary packaging, contributing to a greener plant-buying experience.

Will you help me & answer any questions?

Yes! If you have any questions or need help looking after your plants please take a look at our houseplant library. We will be updating this every month with new plant care tips.

When you buy from Root you will receive a care guide full of all the information you need to keep your new plants happy and healthy.

If you need anymore plant help — feel free to visit our house plant shop in Liverpool for a chat, or you can send us a message on Instagram, ping us an email to
care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

How are my plants packaged for shipping?

We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. We use sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and specialised plant packaging materials to minimise damage during transit.

What if my plant arrives damaged?

In the rare event that your plant arrives damaged, please contact our customer support team within 2 days of receiving your order. We will gladly assist you with a replacement or refund. Contact care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery. You'll also receive delivery notifications from your local courier once your parcel is received.

Do you ship outside the UK?

We ship plants to all UK addresses including Northern Ireland. We also ship to European countires including France, Italy, Ireland and Germany.

My order is a present, can I include a gift message?

At the moment we are unable to include a gift message with your order but are working to find a solution ASAP! Sorry for the inconvenience.

What is your return policy for plants?

Due to the perishable nature of plants, we have a limited return policy. Please refer to our return policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.

Are there any restrictions on shipping plants?

Some plant species may be subject to shipping restrictions due to local regulations or import/export laws. We comply with all applicable regulations and will notify you if any restrictions apply to your order.