A green shower of stems
Long, slender stems branch as they develop, gradually creating a fuller trailing display.
Selenicereus wercklei 17cm
Normal price
€12,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Selenicereus wercklei
You said “make yourself at home”. It spread out 🛋️
- Cactaceae
- Epiphytic character
- Trailing growth
- Filtered light
- White night flowers
Selenicereus wercklei changes the familiar picture of a cactus. Slender green stems branch and fall freely, forming a living curtain of lines. Some extend almost straight while others bend softly, giving the silhouette depth, movement and a relaxed tropical appearance.
Its fine texture looks particularly good from above, where the stems can draw their own pattern through the space. On a developed plant, large white flowers opening at night introduce a completely different scale and brightness. Even without flowers, its branching green canopy has enough character to stand alone.
What makes it special
A cactus with fine lines, freely trailing growth and night-opening flowers.
Detail at close range
Small ribs, areoles and aerial roots add interest beyond the overall silhouette.
A white night-time surprise
When it flowers, large white blooms contrast strikingly with the slender stems. Flowers are not guaranteed on arrival.
Why you will love it: it combines the movement of a hanging plant with the distinctive morphology of a forest cactus.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where to place it and how to combine it
Where it looks its best
In a secure hanging position near a bright window, protected from hot midday sun. Leave clear space beneath the pot and avoid walkways where stems could catch on clothing.
Plants to pair it with
Forest cacti suited to similar light, in separate pots so watering can follow each plant's growth.
- Disocactus anguliger — broad, deeply lobed stems to contrast with the slender lines.
- Rhipsalis baccifera — an even finer, dense trailing texture.
- Schlumbergera truncata — shorter, flattened segments for a change of scale.
Care at a glance
Light
Very bright, filtered light; avoid hot midday sun.
Watering
When the upper mix dries, allowing excess water to drain promptly.
Climate
Mild, bright and frost-free. Avoid prolonged cold and wet conditions.
Safety
Small spines can irritate. Not intended for chewing.
For this plant
Growing medium & nutrition
Detailed care Complete care guide Light, water, climate, growing medium and feeding
Forest-cactus light
An east-facing window or bright position behind a curtain is preferable to sudden exposure to strong sun. Make changes gradually.
Water without stagnation
Water thoroughly when the upper layer has dried and the mix has lost much of its moisture. Avoid constant saturation, but also prolonged complete drought as though it were a desert cactus.
Air and humidity
Provide air movement around the branches. Avoid sealed terrariums and direct hot air from heaters.
Winter and growth
Keep in a bright, mild position, around 10°C or warmer as a conservative cultivation choice. Reduce watering as growth slows without imposing months of absolute dryness.
An epiphyte's growing mix
Choose an airy organic mix containing bark and drainage material. Roots need both available moisture and oxygen, rather than compact wet soil.
Feeding and repotting
Feed gently with cactus fertiliser during active growth, following the label and waiting until any starter nutrition is depleted. Repot into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes when necessary, supporting the stems to prevent breakage.
Botanical identity Identity & natural origin Identity, synonyms and natural range
Species identity
Selenicereus wercklei (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose is a member of Cactaceae, with no named cultivar assigned to this listing.
The current combination
Britton and Rose published the combination Selenicereus wercklei in 1920, in the second volume of The Cactaceae.
Costa Rica and wet tropical habitats
Its natural range is associated with Costa Rica. It is a cactus of wet tropical conditions with an epiphytic growth habit.
From natural habitat to care: Epiphytic life combines moisture with roots that are quickly aerated. In cultivation, this means bright filtered light, an open mix and watering that follows drying, without persistent saturation or prolonged drought.
Greenleaf for Plant Nerds Science nobody asked for A closer look at anatomy and physiology
Stems rather than leaves
The hanging green surfaces are stems. Their photosynthetic tissues perform a role carried out by leaves in many other plants.
Areoles: small growth centres
Areoles are specialised short shoots characteristic of cacti. They produce spines and new organs, rather than being simple spots on the epidermis.
Roots outside the pot
Aerial roots can develop along the stems and help contact supporting surfaces. Their presence does not automatically indicate a problem with the roots in the pot.
Epiphyte, not parasite
Using another plant for support does not mean extracting its sap. An epiphyte maintains its own photosynthesis and nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
About trailing growth and the care of a tropical cactus.
01 Is it really a cactus?
Yes, it belongs to Cactaceae. Its long, branching stems differ from the familiar round or columnar cactus shape.
02 Does it need the same sun as a desert cactus?
No. Choose very bright filtered light and protection from hot midday exposure.
03 Should I leave it completely dry for long periods?
Not as a routine. Its cycle differs from that of a drought-adapted cactus; it needs moisture checks and an airy mix.
04 Why are roots growing from the stems?
This is consistent with its epiphytic character. Aerial roots are a normal part of its development.
05 When will it flower?
Flowering depends on maturity, light and growing conditions. No fixed date or promise of flowers can be given for an individual plant.
06 Does it have spines?
It may carry very small spines at the areoles. Handle carefully and keep stems away from faces and pets.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.