The “Night Blooming Cereus” is a common name applied to several species of cacti, most notably the Epiphyllum genus, often called the Orchid Cactus. These tropical plants produce spectacular, large, and intensely fragrant flowers that typically open for a single night. Unlike desert cacti, these plants are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees in rainforest canopies rather than in the ground. Successful cultivation requires mimicking the filtered light, humidity, and seasonal changes of their native habitat.
Setting the Stage: Light and Temperature Requirements
The Night Blooming Cereus thrives in bright, yet highly diffused light, which replicates the conditions under a dense tree canopy. Placing the plant in a location that receives ample filtered light, such as an east-facing window with morning sun or a spot shaded by a sheer curtain, is ideal. Direct, intense midday or afternoon sun must be avoided, as it can easily scorch the plant’s flattened, leaf-like stems, causing permanent white or yellow burn marks.
During the active growing season, these tropical cacti prefer temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C) to support robust growth. They are tender plants and will not tolerate cold, requiring protection from temperatures falling below 50°F (10°C). Moving the plant outdoors in a shaded location during warm summer months can be beneficial, but it must be brought back inside before the first threat of frost. A slight drop in nighttime temperatures, even during summer, can help promote better overall plant health.
Substrate and Hydration Management
Because the Night Blooming Cereus is an epiphyte, its root system is adapted to a loose, airy environment, not dense soil. The proper growing medium must be fast-draining to prevent root rot, which is the most common cause of plant failure. A suitable substrate can be created by mixing standard potting soil with orchid bark mix, coarse perlite, or pumice in roughly equal parts. This blend ensures the quick drainage and high aeration necessary to mimic the plant’s natural perch on a tree branch.
These plants require more frequent watering than true desert cacti, especially during their spring and summer growth phase. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings; a good rule is to water thoroughly when the top one-third of the substrate feels dry to the touch. When watering, ensure that the excess liquid drains completely out of the pot, and never allow the plant to sit in standing water. Overwatering will lead to mushy stems and the rapid onset of fungal issues.
As the plant enters its rest period in late fall and winter, the watering schedule must be significantly reduced. The goal is to keep the growing medium only barely moist, preventing the stems from shriveling without promoting new growth. This seasonal reduction in hydration prepares the plant for the following season’s bloom. Maintaining a slightly root-bound condition is also beneficial, as it is a known trigger for flower production.
Triggering the Bloom: Seasonal Care and Dormancy
To reliably produce flowers, the Night Blooming Cereus requires a distinct, induced dormancy period, typically lasting six to eight weeks in the winter. This rest period signals to the plant that it is time to set flower buds for the coming spring or summer. The plant should be moved to a location where the temperature remains consistently cool, ideally between 40°F and 55°F (4°C and 13°C).
During this cool dormancy, both watering and fertilization must be drastically curtailed. Water only enough to prevent the stems from becoming noticeably shriveled, and completely cease all feeding. Once the rest period is complete, and the plant is moved back to warmer temperatures, the care routine shifts to encourage flowering.
From early spring through mid-fall, the plant benefits from regular feeding with a specialized fertilizer. To maximize bloom potential, use a water-soluble formula that is low in nitrogen but high in phosphorus and potassium. Applying this fertilizer every two to four weeks during the active growth season provides the specific nutrients needed for developing healthy flower buds. Any necessary shaping or pruning should be done immediately after the flowering period concludes.