night-blooming cereus
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Queen of the Night
About this plant
Night-blooming cereus is a cactus known for its large, fragrant white flowers that open at night and last only a few hours. It has long, flat, green stems and is often grown as a houseplant or in gardens in warm climates. The flowers attract night pollinators like moths and bats. It is admired for its dramatic and rare blooms.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Selenicereus
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Caryophyllales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Central America, Caribbean
- Distribution
- Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America; cultivated worldwide as a houseplant and in warm gardens.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 10 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining cactus or succulent mix
Watering. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced cactus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.
Night-blooming cereus is a cactus that prefers bright light and well-draining soil. It needs moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It can tolerate some drought but dislikes overwatering, which can cause root rot. Regular feeding during the growing season helps it bloom.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night; flat, green, cactus stems with a climbing habit.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets but avoid ingestion of any plant parts.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen, Sap or latex
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Night-blooming cereus may cause mild skin irritation in some people when handling the plant. Its flowers produce pollen at night, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. To reduce exposure, avoid touching the sap and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Common problems
Overwatering can cause root rot and yellowing stems. Insufficient light may lead to poor growth and no flowers. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally appear.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its spectacular night-blooming flowers. Sometimes grown in greenhouses or as a houseplant.
Notes
Prune after flowering to control size and encourage branching. Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Protect from frost and cold drafts.