Selenicereus anthonyanus

Natural range and habitat of Selenicereus anthonyanus

Selenicereus anthonyanus is native to southern Mexico, where it grows as an epiphyte in seasonally dry tropical habitat.

Its natural habitat has a clear wetter and drier season.

Care for Selenicereus anthonyanus

• Light: Bright filtered light with some gentle direct sun keeps the flattened stems sturdy. Increase sun exposure slowly.
• Seasonal watering: Water thoroughly while new fishbone stems are extending, then let the upper potting mix dry before watering again. During the cool resting period, water only occasionally.
• Temperature and rest: Aim for about 16–24 °C while the plant is growing and keep it at about 4 °C or warmer during the resting period. The cooler, drier rest is part of its yearly rhythm.
• Potting mix: Use an epiphytic cactus mix rich in organic material, with coarse bark.
• Feeding and propagation: Feed lightly with cactus fertiliser while new stems are growing. Stem cuttings root readily in spring, and the species can also be grown from seed.

Problems to watch for with Selenicereus anthonyanus

• The flattened stems wrinkle and lose firmness: The plant may be too dry or the roots may be damaged. Check the roots first, then water thoroughly when they are healthy.
• The stem base turns dark and soft: The potting mix has stayed too wet. Cut back to healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rot and reroot or repot the healthy sections in fresh potting mix that drains well.
• New fishbone growth becomes thin and pale: The plant needs stronger light. Move it gradually to a brighter position.
• White cottony insects or fixed brown bumps appear: Check the flattened stems for mealybugs or scale. Remove visible pests and use a treatment labelled for ornamental cacti and the identified pest, following the label for repeat applications.

Keep Selenicereus anthonyanus away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Selenicereus anthonyanus: where the name comes from

Selenicereus combines Selene, the Greek moon goddess, with Cereus, a cactus name associated with a wax taper or candle. Anthonyanus honours American mammalogist Harold Elmer Anthony.

Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose established the genus Selenicereus in 1909 in Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, volume 12, page 429.

Edward Johnston Alexander first described it as Cryptocereus anthonyanus in 1950 in Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles), volume 22, page 165. David Richard Hunt later placed it in Selenicereus as Selenicereus anthonyanus in 1989 in Bradleya, volume 7, page 93.