Dragon fruit cactus? in the Cactus and Succulents forum

Jan 13, 2022 3:41 PM CST

Thread OP

New york but not really (Zone 6a)

Hi all. My mom just came back from the super market with this cactus I think?
The tag says dragon fruit but if it's actually that is something else.

So I'm here asking for advice on it

| @Impasta | Post #2655396 (1)

DaisyI

Jan 13, 2022 3:53 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

No, not a Dragon Fruit. Its a Dogtail Cactus (Strophocactus testudo}

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #2655405 (2)

Impasta

Jan 13, 2022 6:33 PM CST

Thread OP

New york but not really (Zone 6a)

DaisyI said:No, not a Dragon Fruit. Its a Dogtail Cactus (Strophocactus testudo}

Well I'm certainly not mad about that. It's still a pretty cool cactus.
Probably just labeled something with food because of a super market.

Does anything special need done with it?

| @Impasta | Post #2655485 (3)

DaisyI

Jan 13, 2022 6:57 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

Hopefully someone will show up to give you some care hints. I have never been successful with this plant - I think I don't water it enough.

It is a cactus but I think would rather be treated like a sun-loving succulent. It also needs heat and humidiy.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #2655509 (4)

Aeonium2003

Jan 13, 2022 7:03 PM CST

I believe that it is an epiphytic cactus. It will not tolerate full sun. Give it shade.

| @Aeonium2003 | Post #2655515 (5)

DaisyI

Jan 13, 2022 7:13 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

As this plant will live inside, a sunniest window.

Dog-Tail Cactus (Deamia testudo)

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #2655525 (6)

Aeonium2003

Jan 13, 2022 9:19 PM CST

DaisyI said:As this plant will live inside, a sunniest window.

Dog-Tail Cactus (Deamia testudo)

@DaisyI
Not true. Epiphytic cacti don't grow in the desert. They grow in PARTIAL sun on trees. Too much sun can lead to sunburn.

| @Aeonium2003 | Post #2655622 (7)

Last edited by Aeonium2003 Jan 13, 2022 9:20 PM

Baja_Costero

Jan 13, 2022 9:33 PM CST

Moderator

Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)

No sunburn indoors, unless the plant is coming out of deep shade.

| @Baja_Costero | Post #2655628 (8)

Last edited by Baja_Costero Jan 13, 2022 9:34 PM

OrchidBob

Jan 14, 2022 5:27 PM CST

Name: Bob
The Kau Desert, Hawaii (Zone 12a)

I have seen community pots of baby yellow dragon fruit which look exactly like this.
If this plant starts to segment. (grow branches) or (link sausages) it may be dragon fruit.
Once it flowers you will know.

| @OrchidBob | Post #2656137 (9)

Aeonium2003

Jan 14, 2022 5:37 PM CST

OrchidBob said:I have seen community pots of baby yellow dragon fruit which look exactly like this.
If this plant starts to segment. (grow branches) or (link sausages) it may be dragon fruit.
Once it flowers you will know.

Usually Dragonfuit seedlings look something like this. Problem is the Strophocactus testudo is also sold as dragonfruit. Time will have to tell.

| @Aeonium2003 | Post #2656142 (10)

DaisyI

Jan 14, 2022 6:31 PM CST

Name: Daisy I
Reno, Nv (Zone 6b)
Not all who wander are lost

They seem large to be baby Dragon Fruit but there is no size reference in the photos. @Impasta, how tall/big are they?

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming...."WOW What a Ride!!" -Mark Frost

President: Orchid Society of Northern Nevada
Webmaster: osnnv.org

| @DaisyI | Post #2656175 (11)

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