Someone gave us several cuttings from another lady here in So. Cal. and told us to plant them right away, which my husband did, but then I realized he has been watering them daily for a couple of days, so for fear of having them rot, I removed them from the ground until I can get more information about rooting cuttings.

I have found a number of videos showing how to grow them, but nothing about letting the cut callus over before planting, which would be how I would treat an epiphyllum, for instance. And once planted, is it right not to water the cuttings until they have developed roots, i.e., treat them the way I would treat other succulent cuttings? Perhaps spray them from time to time until they root?

Another question I have is that in videos I have seen, the plants are grouped 3 or 4 around a 6' post, set 1' or 2' into the ground. The posts all appear to be whiteish, and I am assuming they may be painted with something... but with what? Something to prevent rot, or to repet termites? Does it matter what kind of wood?

We are growing these pitaya only for ourselves and friends, if there should be a lot of fruit someday.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. We are about 8 miles from Mexico and 4 miles from the coast and have a relatively sheltered (from the wind) yard.