Night Blooming Cereus: The Queen of the Night
The Night Blooming Cereus is a captivating cactus native to the Sonoran Desert, including Arizona. It’s known by various romantic names, such as “Queen of the Night” or “Princess of the Night.” This umbrella term encompasses approximately seven different genera that share the distinctive characteristic of blooming at night. The most common genera are Epiphyllum, Hylocereus, or Selenicereus.
Types of Night Blooming Cereus
- Epiphyllum oxypetalum: This species produces large, fragrant flowers that can reach up to 7 inches in diameter.
- Hylocereus undatus: Also known as the Dragon Fruit cactus, this species bears edible, juicy fruit.
- Selenicereus grandiflorus: This species has particularly showy flowers that can measure up to 12 inches across.
Growing Night Blooming Cereus
In most regions, Night Blooming Cereus is best grown as a houseplant. It thrives in bright sunshine and warm temperatures. The plant has excellent heat tolerance, handling temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit with ease.
For optimal growth, use a cactus mix or gritty soil with excellent drainage. Fertilize monthly during the spring with a diluted houseplant food.
Night Blooming Cereus can become unruly, but you can trim the limbs without damaging the plant. Save the cuttings and plant them to propagate new cacti.
During summer, you can move your Night Blooming Cereus outdoors, but remember to bring it back inside when temperatures start to drop.
Forcing Blooms
Night Blooming Cereus typically begins blooming at four or five years of age. To encourage blooming, you can force the plant by mimicking its natural outdoor light conditions. Keep the cactus in complete darkness from dusk to dawn during the bloom season (July to October). Additionally, reduce watering and avoid fertilizing during fall and winter to slow growth and conserve energy for blooms.
Care and Maintenance
- Light: Bright sunshine
- Temperature: Warm (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is tolerable)
- Soil: Cactus mix or gritty soil with excellent drainage
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during spring with a diluted houseplant food.
- Pruning: Trim unruly limbs as needed.
Pollination and Fruit
Night Blooming Cereus flowers are pollinated by moths. After pollination, the plant produces large, juicy, red fruit. The flowers typically start blooming at 9 or 10 p.m. and are fully open by midnight. The petals wilt and die with the first rays of sunlight.
Medicinal Uses
Night Blooming Cereus has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various purposes, including:
- Treating burns and wounds
- Soothing skin irritations
- Relieving headaches
- Lowering blood sugar levels
Conclusion
The Night Blooming Cereus is a fascinating and beautiful cactus that adds a touch of magic to any garden or home. With its captivating blooms, ease of care, and potential medicinal uses, it’s a plant that deserves a spot in every plant lover’s collection.