Introduction
The night blooming cereus is one of the most interesting and mysterious plants of the plant world. Night-blooming cereus is a tropical cactus known for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and usually wilt before morning. Gardeners prize it not only for its striking blooms but also for its easy care and for its ability to be induced to bloom indoors.
Read on to discover all the details about night-blooming cereus care, bloom growth, preparation for blooming, benefits, propagation, fruit and how to grow this special plant successfully.
What the Heck Is a Night Blooming Cereus?
Night-blooming cereus is a term for several cacti, but most often they are Hylocereus species and also the genus Epiphyllum. Unlike desert cacti, it is a tropical plant and an epiphyte, which means it grows naturally on trees or rocks.
Its long, flat stems trail downwards and can be grown in hanging baskets, containers, or trained up trellises.
Queen of the Night: Symbolism of the Night Blooming Cereus
Queen of the night, night-blooming cereus is a name which perfectly captures the rare and transient beauty of this plant. The flowers are emblematic of mystery, change, and patience. Because the flowers open and wither after sunset, it is rare to see one in bloom.
Night Blooming Cereus Bloom Stages
Knowing the stages of the night-blooming cereus flower can help you identify when blooms are imminent.
Common Bloom Stages
- Bud formation along mature stems
- Bud swelling over several days
- Bud elongation and softening
- Sudden nighttime opening
- Bloom only lasts one night before wilting
- The flowers may be up to 8-12 inches in width and produce a sweet, pungent fragrance.
Night Blooming Cereus Care Guide
Taking care of night-blooming cereus is easy but precise.
Light Requirements
- Bright, indirect light
- Morning sun is ideal
- Avoid harsh afternoon sun
Watering
- When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch
- Reduce watering in winter
Soil
- Well-draining cactus or orchid mix
- Regular attention promotes vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
Growing Night Blooming Cereus Indoors
Night-blooming cereus is grown indoors successfully by many gardeners. In reality, when it comes to light and temperature, you can generally achieve better control indoors.
Indoor Growing Tips
- Place near a bright window
- Use a pot with drainage
- Rotate the plant for even growth
- Indoor blooming plants usually bloom more reliably as they age, too.
Night Blooming Cereus Propagation
Cuttings typically propagate night-blooming cereus.
How to Propagate
- Cut a healthy stem segment
- Let the extraction dry for 1-2 days
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Water lightly until roots form
- It’s easy to propagate and makes a great plant to share.
Can You Propagate Night Blooming Cereus in Water?
A common question is whether water propagation actually works. Soil propagation is best, but short-term water-rooting can work. But they become less likely to rot if you move them into the soil.
Night Blooming Cereus Fruit
Following bloom, the plant can set night-blooming cereus fruit when pollination has taken place.
Fruit Characteristics
- Oval to round shape
- Pink or red outer skin
- White pulp inside
- The fruit looks like dragon’s blood and is edible, but its taste differs.
Night Blooming Cereus Benefits
In addition to its lovely looks, night-blooming cereus uses also include:
- Unique nighttime fragrance
- Low-maintenance growth
- Air-purifying qualities
- Symbolic and ornamental value
- Some cultures also use parts of the plant in natural remedies.
Night Blooming Cereus for Sale
What Night-Blooming Cereus to Buy? If you are looking for night-blooming cereus for sale, search for:
- Local plant nurseries
- Speciality cactus growers
- Online plant shops
If you want blooms sooner, go for a mature plant.
Common Issues and Tips on Flowering
If your plant doesn’t bloom:
- Ensure sufficient light
- Avoid overwatering
- Allow slight root-bound conditions
- Be patient, plants bloom when mature
- A sound and mature plant will repay care with memories.
Conclusion
The night blooming cereus is a magnificent plant that rewards you for your patience, with some of nature’s most glorious blooms. In the ground or in pots, as Queen of the Night, it’s a beauty and a fragrance like no other plant. If cared for, propagated, and bloomed at the right times, the night-blooming cereus can be one of your most prized plants.
FAQs About Night Blooming Cereus
How many times does the night blooming cereus flower?
Most plant species flower once or twice a season, generally in late spring and summer.
Is the queen of the night flower the same as night blooming cereus?
Yes, Queen of the Night is also a common name for Nicotiana alata.
Can you eat the fruit from a night blooming cereus?
Yes, the fruit is edible, but it’s reported that there are differences in flavour among plants.
If so, can you root night blooming cereus in water?
It can root in water for a little while, but it propagates best in soil over the long term.
