How to Grow Night Blooming Cereus
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Night Blooming Cereus
Selenicereus anthonyanus
cactusA sprawling, epiphytic cactus native to Mexico with flattened, wing-like stems and large, fragrant white flowers that bloom only at night. The plant produces edible red fruits and is prized as an ornamental houseplant for its dramatic nocturnal blooms and unique foliage.
When should you plant Night Blooming Cereus in your zone?
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Example Night Blooming Cereus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Night Blooming Cereus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Night Blooming Cereus
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; elsewhere grown as a tender perennial houseplant
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Establishment
4-8 weeksNew plant or cutting establishing roots; minimal visible growth above soil
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid fertilizing for first 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early fall, 6-8 monthsFlat, segmented stems elongate and develop characteristic wing-like edges; no flowers present
Provide bright indirect light and consistent warm temperatures (65-75°F). Support sprawling stems with trellis or stake. Feed monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation
2-3 monthsSmall buds appear along stem edges, typically in late summer to early fall; buds gradually enlarge
Reduce watering slightly and keep nights cooler (55-65°F) to trigger flowering. Avoid moving the plant or disturbing buds. Maintain stable humidity.
Flowering
Late summer through fall; multiple blooms over several weeksLarge, tubular white flowers open only at night, typically lasting a single evening; intensely fragrant with vanilla-like scent
Observe flowers in evening hours. Do not move the plant during bloom. Maintain consistent watering. Each flower lasts one night only.
Fruiting
6-8 weeks after floweringAfter pollination, flowers are replaced by elongated red fruits containing edible, slightly sweet pulp with small black seeds
Continue regular watering and feeding. Fruits mature over several weeks. Harvest when fully red and slightly soft to touch.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infected plant; remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe; neem oil effective
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Remove manually with brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, dry soil if stem base is soft
Uses
Edible Fruit
CulinaryThe red fruits (called Dragon Fruit or Pitaya in some Selenicereus species) are edible with a mildly sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh, added to smoothies, or used in desserts. The pulp is soft and contains small edible black seeds. [source]
Night-Blooming Ornamental
HouseholdPrized as a unique houseplant and conversation piece for its dramatic nocturnal blooms. The flowers are highly fragrant with an intoxicating vanilla-like scent that fills a room at night. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Mexican and Central American herbalism, various Selenicereus species have been used to support heart health and circulation. Modern research suggests potential antioxidant compounds. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe large white flowers can be cut in the evening and used in floral arrangements, though they typically last only until morning. The dramatic blooms make striking, temporary table centerpieces. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe nocturnal flowers attract night-flying pollinators such as moths and bats in native habitats, supporting local ecosystems when grown outdoors. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Flowers bloom only at night and wilt by morning—observe in the evening for best experience. Pick flowers just after they open if desired for arrangements. Harvest fruits when they turn fully red and give slightly to pressure (typically 6-8 weeks after flowering). Use a sharp knife to cut fruits from the stem. Fruits are ripe when seeds rattle slightly inside.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The flowers of night-blooming cereus are pollinated exclusively by nocturnal creatures—primarily sphinx moths and bats in their native habitat—and have evolved to bloom only at night and release their fragrance in the darkness.
- 🌱 In Victorian times, night-blooming cereus was so prized that people would invite neighbors over for 'Cereus Parties' to witness the rare nighttime bloom together, as the flowers typically appear on only a few nights each year.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Selenicereus' derives from 'Selene,' the Greek goddess of the moon, referring to the plant's nocturnal flowering habit and its association with lunar cycles.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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