Serrulatocereus alatus Plant Care
Serrulatocereus serruliflorus (Haw.) Guiggi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its unique ribbed, cylindrical stems covered in sharp spines. Native to South America, specifically Argentina, Serrulatocereus serruliflorus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking appearance and ability to thrive in dry, arid conditions.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun
50–90°F
10–40%
At a glance
How do you care for Serrulatocereus alatus?
Water Serrulatocereus alatus every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 10–40% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Serrulatocereus alatus Native To?
What Is the Serrulatocereus alatus?
Serrulatocereus alatus (Serrulatocereus serruliflorus) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Serrulatocereus genus. Serrulatocereus alatus is native to northwestern and central Haiti. Serrulatocereus alatus is also known as Cereus serruliflorus.
Serrulatocereus alatus displays a tall columnar cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Serrulatocereus alatus produces night-blooming white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Serrulatocereus alatus?
Serrulatocereus serruliflorus requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Serrulatocereus alatus Need?
Serrulatocereus alatus thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Serrulatocereus alatus Prefer?
Serrulatocereus serruliflorus grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Serrulatocereus alatus prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
10–40%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Serrulatocereus alatus?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Serrulatocereus alatus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Serrulatocereus alatus?
Feed Serrulatocereus alatus every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Serrulatocereus alatus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Serrulatocereus alatus?
Serrulatocereus alatus can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds.
Is the Serrulatocereus alatus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Serrulatocereus alatus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Serrulatocereus alatus?
Serrulatocereus alatus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Serrulatocereus alatus Need?
Serrulatocereus alatus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Serrulatocereus alatus is native to northwestern and central Haiti. In cooler regions, grow Serrulatocereus alatus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Serrulatocereus alatus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Serrulatocereus genus (family Cactaceae) — search all Serrulatocereus species in the plant lookup.
Serrulatocereus alatus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Serrulatocereus serruliflorus (Haw.) Guiggi, family Cactaceae (first published in in Cactology 5 (Suppl. VI): 1. 2018.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Serrulatocereus alatus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Serrulatocereus alatus Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species