If you’re looking for something special, the Night Blooming Cereus is a must-see. Its unique beauty and enigmatic appeal will definitely leave you mesmerized when it blooms.
These amazing flowers open up in the evening and close at dawn. Their colors & scent are absolutely captivating, with people saying the smell of them is strong and can leave a lasting aroma around your garden even after they’ve died.
You're reading: A Dazzling Display: 10 Types of Night Blooming Cereus
So why not bring a bit of magic and wonder into your own life with a night blooming cereus? With proper care and attention, these stunning cactus plants are sure to bring years of joy and inspiration to your home.
There are many types of Night Blooming Cereus, each with its own distinct characteristics and beauty.
Let’s delve into the world of these mesmerizing plants which have flowers that only bloom at night, and learn more about their leaves, spiritual meaning, buds, fruit, beautiful colors, and fragrances.
In this post, we will also cover Night blooming cereus indoor care to help you be more confident in making your cereus plants happy.
Types of Night Blooming Cereus
Wondering how to stake a night blooming cereus? Fret not, I’ve got you!
Whether it’s in the ground or a pot, you can let these flowers grow outdoors or indoors. The long, wavy stems look gorgeous when you tie them up to a lattice for added texture. If you know someone who loves gardening (or even if you don’t!), these night bloomers make great presents!
These cacti won’t bloom without a good amount of light! Make sure you give them enough sun for the prettiest flowers.
Try to stay away from really sunny spots, instead find one that gets direct sunlight in the morning and shade the rest of the day. This is so your plants can bloom properly. Too much sun can cause their leaves to turn yellowish with pink or red tints.
Regarding watering, going for a two-week cycle is usually the way to go with the queen of the night, but make sure to check the soil every time. If it’s dry up top, give her some water – just don’t overdo it. Between waterings, keep the soil on the drier side and only add extra moisture when needed.
As these Night Blooming Cereus flowers grow in the jungle treetops, so the plant needs light, airy soil that drains well. If you set sights on this, amend potting soil with perlite, sand, peat moss, or bark to add fluff and air. The pot does not have to be large, as the Queen of the Night grows well when its roots are bound.
Night blooming cereus spiritual meaning
Seeing these cactus flowers bloom at night and die in the morning, I can’t help but think of the quote attributed to Buddha Shakyamuni: “The human life is no more than several decades and is like the night blooming cereus which blossoms for only a single night.”
That explains why some people believe that the night blooming cereus plant and flowers represent how eternity lies in small moments.
A lot of cultures consider the Lily of the Night flower (Orchid cactus, Epiphyllum Oxypetalum) as an emblem of luck and blessing.
This flower serves as a reminder to persevere through life and teaches us patience. Plus, it’s said to grant one’s wishes! That’s why people from Sri Lanka and India offer the epiphyllum flower to their deities in acts of worship.
1. Cereus Peruvianus (Queen of the Night)
- Common Names: Peruvian Apple Cactus, Queen of the Night
- Mature size: Up to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide
- Flower color: White or pink
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: Moderate humidity
- Hardiness zones: 9-11
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The Cereus Peruvianus is a magnificent plant with large white or pink flowers. To witness the Cereus Peruvianus in full bloom is a truly breathtaking experience that fills the heart with joy and wonder. It’s no wonder that so many of us tree lovers are drawn to this remarkable plant and its awe-inspiring beauty.
Most Common Type of Night Blooming Cereus
2. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Orchid cactus, Queen of the Night, Lily of the night flower)
- Common Names: Queen of the Night, Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus, Night Blooming Cereus, Jungle Cactus, Orchid Cactus, Lady of the Night, Keng Hwa, 昙花, 琼花
- Mature size: Up to 6 feet tall and wide
- Flower color: White
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Partial shade, or bight indirect light
- Soil type: Well-draining succulent/cactus soil mix
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: High humidity
- Hardiness zones: 10-11
Orchid Cactus, which is also known as the Lyli of the Night, is a spineless cactus that gets its moisture and nutrition from rain and the air.
This type of night blooming cereus does not produce leaves. Instead, they produce modified stems that look like leaves and serve similar functions, such as breathing and collecting debris on its surface.
Queen of the Night flowers are huge and beautiful, with creamy white petals and a subtly sweet smell. The buds are often yellowish or pinkish in color. Plus, you get to experience their short-lived beauty for a single night once a year – each flower only blooms for a few hours!
This plant has bisexual white flowers and if pollinated, produces 5″ long, oblong purple/red fruits. Plus, I just discovered that it blooms around the full moon – how cool is that?!
Large-flowered types of night blooming cereus
3. Selenicereus Grandiflorus
- Common Names: Queen of the Night, Large-flowered Cactus, Vanilla Cactus
- Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide
- Flower color: White
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: High humidity
- Hardiness zones: 10-12
The Selenicereus Grandiflorus is a climbing cactus and a stunning plant with large white flowers that bloom at night.
4. Hylocereus Undatus
- Common Names: Dragon Fruit, Night-blooming Cactus
- Mature size: Up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide
- Flower color: White
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: High humidity
- Hardiness zones: 10-12
The Hylocereus Undatus is a plant that I hold dear to my heart. Its white, blossoming flowers are nothing short of stunning, opening up at night and perfuming the air with their alluring scent.
This type of night blooming cereus is also called Dragon Fruit, a name that highlights its mystical appeal. But that’s not all – this plant’s fruit is also a delight. Its sweet, juicy, pink-colored flesh is a true blessing, a wonder from nature to be cherished and celebrated.
5. Cereus Monstrose
- Common Names: Monstrose Cactus, Fairy Castle Cactus
- Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide
- Flower color: White
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Infrequent watering
- Humidity: Low humidity
- Hardiness zones: 9-11
The Cereus Monstrose is a unique and striking plant with twisted, contorted stems that resemble a fairy castle. This plant produces stunning white flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet fragrance.
6. Peniocereus Greggii
- Common Names: Desert Night-blooming Cereus, Queen of the Night
- Mature size: Up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide
- Flower color: White or pink
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Infrequent watering
- Humidity: Low humidity
- Hardiness zones: 8-11
The Peniocereus Greggii is a magnificent plant that produces stunning white or pink flowers. This plant is also known as the Desert Night-blooming Cereus and is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
7. Selenicereus Anthonyanus
- Common Names: Fishbone Cactus, Rick Rack Cactus
- Mature size: Up to 6 feet tall and wide
- Flower color: White or pink
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: High humidity
- Hardiness zones: 10-12
The Selenicereus Anthonyanus is a mesmerizing plant with unique, zigzagging stems that resemble fishbones or rick rack patterns. This plant produces stunning white or pink flowers that bloom at night and have a sweet, delicate fragrance.
8. Selenicereus Chrysocardium, or Epiphyllum chrysocardium
- Common Names: Golden Heart Cactus, Heart of Gold
- Mature size: Up to 15 feet tall and wide
- Flower color: White
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Infrequent watering
- Humidity: Low to moderate humidity
- Hardiness zones: 9-11
The Selenicereus Chrysocardium, also known as the Golden Heart Cactus, is a stunning plant with long, thin stems that branch out and climb upwards. Its flowers bloom at night and are a pure, crisp white color.
9. Selenicereus Megalanthus
- Common Names: Yellow Dragonfruit, Pitaya
- Mature size: Up to 20 feet tall and wide
- Flower color: White or yellow
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Moderate watering
- Humidity: High humidity
- Hardiness zones: 9-11
The Selenicereus Megalanthus, also known as the Yellow Dragonfruit or Pitaya, is a plant that produces not only stunning flowers but also delicious fruit. The Selenicereus Megalanthus is a truly unique and versatile plant, with both stunning beauty and delicious fruit to offer.
10. Selenicereus Pteranthus
- Common Names: Winged Cactus, Orchid Cactus
- Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall and wide
- Flower color: Pink or white
- Toxic or not: Non-toxic
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
- Soil type: Well-draining soil
- Water: Infrequent watering
- Humidity: Low to moderate humidity
- Hardiness zones: 9-11
The Selenicereus Pteranthus, also known as the Winged Cactus or Orchid Cactus, is a plant that embodies the delicate beauty of an orchid and the resilience of a cactus. Its flowers bloom at night and are a soft, gentle pink or a pure, crisp white.
The most beautiful types of night blooming cereus
Whether you’re drawn to their physical beauty or their spiritual significance, night blooming cereus plants are sure to bring joy and inspiration to your life.
Night blooming cereus plants are a true marvel of nature. From the majestic Queen of the Night to the delicate Selenicereus wercklei, each species offers its own unique charm and beauty.
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Also, we tend to go crazy when the queen blooms for a few reasons.
One: Blooms don’t last too long – these unique cactus flowers bloom at night and die by the morning, only once a year!
Two: Most of the blooms come out all together, though some can be spotted a few nights before and after. If you’re out somewhere and there are multiple night-bloomers, you’ll be treated to a stunning group bloom.
Three: It can be hard for caretakers to predict when exactly the cactus will bloom; usually it’s not known until midday on the day of the bloom, according to Jessie Byrd, the Native Plant Nursery manager for Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation. So we should make our plans fast to witness her beauty!
The unforgettable view of the Queen of the Night blooming is imprinted in my mind. On a summer day, while I was sleeping, Dad disclosed that it had blossomed overnight. He told me to wait for the next blooming in the evening, and it surely would be an unforgettable moment for me.
I was 8 and waited anxiously all day to catch a glimpse of the flowers finally blooming. It felt like forever but it was worth the wait – there was another one or two buds in bloom too!
At 9pm, the Queen of the Night’s petals started to blossom. Within 120 minutes, I was thoroughly enthralled by the captivating beauty and enchanting fragrance it exuded. They were gorgeous and smelled so good.
Starting from that moment, in my mind, this majestic flower with white petals resembled a dancing fairy in the summer breeze and its aroma filled up every part of the area. I wondered why the night-blooming cereus bloom so late and I came up with an explanation for myself – the fairy of it is shy and only comes out at night to show off her beauty & fragrances in the moonlight.
I’ve had my Queen of the Night plant (Epiphyllum Oxypetalum) for 15+ years now – every year when I’m home, I stay up late to check out its flowers, enjoy its beauty unfolding when blooming, and recall the first time I met the fairy tale of my childhood.
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FAQs:
Do night blooming cereus plants need a lot of sun exposure?
While most species of night blooming cereus do require some level of sunlight to thrive, they can also be grown successfully in more shaded environments. Research the specific needs of your plant and adjust your growing conditions accordingly to make your plants happy.
Can I grow night blooming cereus plants indoors?
Yes, many varieties of night blooming cereus can be grown indoors, as long as they receive sufficient light and proper care.
Are night blooming cereus plants toxic to pets?
Some varieties of night blooming cereus can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s important to research the specific species you’re interested in and take proper precautions to keep your furry friends safe.
Do I need to fertilize my night blooming cereus plant?
Yes, regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms in night blooming cereus plants. Be sure to use a fertilizer specifically designed for cacti and succulents.
How often do night blooming cereus plants bloom?
Most night blooming cereus plants bloom once a year, usually in the late spring or summer months.
Can I propagate my night blooming cereus plant?
Yes, night blooming cereus plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. Be sure to allow the cuttings to dry and callus over before planting in well-draining soil.
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Houseplants