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QUEEN OF THE NIGHT WORTH THE EFFORT
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My co-worker has moved crosscountry and I have inherited his nightblooming cereus. As much as I love plants, I must admit this one is quite unattractive. He assures me I will enjoy this plant. I am not convinced. |
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Whatever you do, don’t put it out of its beauty-less misery. While the nightblooming cereus Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant itself could put the “ug” in ugly, the reward is its magnificent blooms. Caring for this cactus is really very simple. In Virginia, it can be an indoor plant that vacations outside in the summer. It requires full sun to light shade, likes acidic soil and welcomes regular watering. Fertilize the first week of March, May, August and October. It has sprawling growth that can reach heights of 10 feet, so be sure to give it some space. Once the buds are about 4 inches long, the nocturnal flower begins to open, emitting a fragrance that rivals Shalimar or Midnight in Paris…well, now I am dating myself. As poor Cinderella, the bloom lasts only one night and shrivels come morning. Once friends experience this remarkable flower, they will be clamoring for a plant of their own. The flowers are sterile, so to propagate using leaf cuttings, allowing cut surface to callous before planting. A cactus soil mix is preferred. |
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