Growing Hylocereus (from cuttings)

[Shane]

I've been trying to grow H. undatus as a stock. I planted four cuttings months ago and they've rooted (vigorously...), but I haven't seen any signs of above ground growth yet. I'm wondering what I can do to promote new growth

[mcdieimp]

In my experience, after rooting the stem will fatten up for a month or so before sending out new growth. Then it will go crazy. It's a noticeable change from skinny to rounded stem.

I used 50% cactus compost, 50% bonsai bark with a bit of perlite for extra drainage. They seem happy.

Annoyingly the cuttings came with free scale attached so I've been washing with soapy water every now and then.

[Shane]

In my experience, after rooting the stem will fatten up for a month or so before sending out new growth. Then it will go crazy. It's a noticeable change from skinny to rounded stem.

I used 50% cactus compost, 50% bonsai bark with a bit of perlite for extra drainage. They seem happy.

Annoyingly the cuttings came with free scale attached so I've been washing with soapy water every now and then.

That's good to know, I'll be patient and wait some more then.

The soil I used is 50% potting soil, 50% small rocks. Come to think of it this might not have been the best choice for an epiphytic cactus but it doesn't seem to mind (at least if the rooting is any indication)

[wilsontucker]

Soil should be fine. They're most likely putting out better roots and sturdying themselves. Make sure they're secure in the pots and don't move around a lot. I threw mine in mostly garbage soil and rock I had left over from last years plants, mixed with compost/manure. then drown them all summer and they grew like crazy once they got going. The first month or so after rooting though was probably pretty slow.

[Shane]

Found this tonight
Guess it just needed another week...