If you’re looking for a plant that delivers pure magic after dark, look no further. The selenicereus grandiflorus, or night-blooming cactus flower, is a spectacular and unique plant that rewards patient gardeners with an unforgettable show. This climbing cactus is famous for its huge, fragrant blossoms that open only at night and wilt by dawn.
Growing this plant is a special project, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from its origins to how to get it to bloom in your own home or garden.
Selenicereus Grandiflorus – Night-Blooming Cactus Flower
This is the botanical name for the plant often called Queen of the Night, Moon Cactus, or Large-Flowered Cactus. It’s a tropical epiphyte, meaning in the wild it grows on trees in places like the Caribbean and Central America. It’s not a desert cactus, which is a key point for its care.
The “grandiflorus” part of its name means “large-flowered,” and that’s no exaggeration. Its blooms can reach up to a foot in diameter. They are a stunning creamy white with golden-yellow outer petals and a powerful, sweet scent designed to attract its nocturnal pollinators, like moths and bats.
What Makes It So Special?
The entire blooming event is a dramatic, fleeting performance. Here’s what happens:
- The flower bud develops over several weeks, becoming large and plump.
- On the night it chooses to open, the process begins at dusk.
- You can actually watch the petals unfurl, which takes about an hour.
- The flower reaches its full, glorious size and releases its intense fragrance.
- By first light, the flower closes and is usually done for good.
How to Care for Your Night-Blooming Cactus
Success with this plant means replicating its natural habitat as much as possible. Don’t treat it like a typical cactus from a dry desert.
Light and Temperature
This plant loves bright, indirect light. Some morning sun is fine, but protect it from harsh afternoon rays which can scorch its stems. It thrives in normal household temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Keep it away from cold drafts in winter.
Soil and Potting
Excellent drainage is critical. Use a specialized orchid or epiphytic cactus mix. You can make your own by mixing regular potting soil with plenty of perlite, orchid bark, and coarse sand. Choose a pot with good drainage holes; it can be a hanging basket to accomodate its trailing stems.
Watering and Feeding
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but never let the plant sit in soggy soil. Reduce watering significantly in the winter when growth slows. During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed it monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Support and Pruning
This is a climbing cactus with long, sprawling stems that can reach over 10 feet. Provide a trellis, moss pole, or let it trail from a basket. You can prune it in early spring to control its size and shape. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut just above a segment joint.
Step-by-Step Guide to Encourage Blooms
Getting your plant to flower is the ultimate goal. Follow these steps to increase your chances.
- Provide Enough Light: Ensure it gets ample bright, indirect light all year. A grow light can help in darker homes.
- Simulate a Dormant Period: In late fall, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Place it in a slightly cooler spot (around 55-60°F) for 6-8 weeks.
- Resume Regular Care in Spring: As days lengthen, move it back to its warm spot, resume watering, and start fertilizing.
- Watch for Buds: Flower buds typically form in late spring or early summer. They look like fuzzy, elongated growths on the stems.
- Don’t Disturb: Once buds appear, avoid moving or rotating the plant, as this can cause it to drop them. Maintain consistent watering.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to fix them.
- Yellowing Stems: This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil and let it dry out more between waterings.
- No Flowers: The most common cause is not enough light or missing the cool, dry dormancy period. Review the steps above.
- Brown or Shriveled Stems: This usually indicates underwatering or, sometimes, sunburn. Adjust your watering schedule or light exposure.
- Pests: Watch for mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton spots) or scale. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Propagating Your Plant
Sharing this amazing plant is easy. The best method is using stem cuttings.
- In spring or summer, use a clean knife to cut a healthy stem segment that’s at least 6 inches long.
- Let the cutting sit in a dry, airy spot for a few days until the cut end forms a callus. This prevents rot.
- Plant the callused end into a small pot filled with moist cactus mix. Bury it just deep enough to support itself.
- Place it in bright, indirect light and water very lightly until you see new growth, which indicates roots have formed.
FAQ About the Night-Blooming Cactus
How often does the Queen of the Night bloom?
A mature, well-cared-for plant typically blooms once a year, in early summer. A single plant may produce several flowers over a few nights.
Can I grow it indoors?
Absolutely! It makes a excellent indoor plant. Just ensure it gets enough light, perhaps in a south or east-facing window.
Is the night blooming cactus toxic to pets?
While not considered highly toxic, it can cause stomach upset if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep it out of their reach.
Why did my flower buds fall off?
Bud drop can be caused by sudden changes in temperature or light, under or over-watering, or if the plant is moved after buds form. Try to keep its environment stable.
How long do the flowers last?
Each individual flower is open for only one night, from dusk until just after dawn. The whole blooming period for the plant may last a week or two if multiple buds open.
Growing the selenicereus grandiflorus is a lesson in patience and a testiment to nature’s wonders. With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking floral displays you can experience at home. Remember to mark your calendar for the expected bloom night and invite some friends over for the viewing party—it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.