Night Blooming Cereus
The eye popping white, very fragrant flowers on this cactus type houseplant more than make up for the uninteresting foliage this plant displays. As a result of the foliage, Cereus is difficult to find in most stores. The Cereus is, however, easy to start from cuttings, and once people see and smell the flowers, you will be getting lots of requests for a cutting. Easy to grow, this prolific cactus plant prefers well drained soil with organic matter and sand and wants to be pot bound to bloom.
During the spring and summer, this plant prefers being outside in filtered light. Feed monthly during this time with houseplant fertilizer and water when dry. It will begin to set bud in late summer- early fall along the stems, and as temperatures cool in mid to late fall, bring the plant indoors and keep near a well lit window. As the buds swell over time, you will begin to notice the elongated buds growing and approaching maturity. When fully mature, the buds will begin to open around 9 -10:00pm one night, and will be fully open by around midnight. Some who have watched them open, swear you can almost see minute by minute progress! You'll want to stay up long enough to see and smell this amazing flower display, because the flowers only last one night, and by morning will wither and fade.
With the conclusion of flowering, reduce watering and discontinue fertilizing through the winter months. These plants really do want to be root bound, and will only bloom when they have reached a certain age, (usually 3-5 years).
For an unusual yet easy to grow flowering cactus, the night blooming Cereus is one I would definitely recommend.
By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
During the spring and summer, this plant prefers being outside in filtered light. Feed monthly during this time with houseplant fertilizer and water when dry. It will begin to set bud in late summer- early fall along the stems, and as temperatures cool in mid to late fall, bring the plant indoors and keep near a well lit window. As the buds swell over time, you will begin to notice the elongated buds growing and approaching maturity. When fully mature, the buds will begin to open around 9 -10:00pm one night, and will be fully open by around midnight. Some who have watched them open, swear you can almost see minute by minute progress! You'll want to stay up long enough to see and smell this amazing flower display, because the flowers only last one night, and by morning will wither and fade.
With the conclusion of flowering, reduce watering and discontinue fertilizing through the winter months. These plants really do want to be root bound, and will only bloom when they have reached a certain age, (usually 3-5 years).
For an unusual yet easy to grow flowering cactus, the night blooming Cereus is one I would definitely recommend.
By: Sandy Weinkam
Gardening Expert at A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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