Selenicereus grandiflorus aka Night Blooming Cereus

Taxonomy

Selenicereus grandiflorus, commonly referred to as queen of the night, night-blooming cereus, large-flowered cactus, sweet-scented cactus, or vanilla cactus, is a cactus species native to the Antilles, Mexico, and Central America. It is often confused with the genus Epiphyllum and is part of the Cactaceae family. It has long, greyish-green, wavy, creeping sprouts and small areoles covered with fluff and thorns which fall off as the plant grows older. In its natural habitat, it can reach up to 33 feet (10 m) in length. Its fruits are egg-shaped and purple. As a houseplant, it needs very little water to thrive and should be placed no more than 1 foot from a window for long-lasting, direct light.

Common names

Night Blooming Cereus, Queen Of The Night

How to care for Night Blooming Cereus

Difficulty

Night Blooming Cereus requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Night Blooming Cereus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Night Blooming Cereus, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

Night Blooming Cereus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Night Blooming Cereus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Night Blooming Cereus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Night Blooming Cereus enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Night Blooming Cereus is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Night Blooming Cereus’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia