Selenicereus are spectacular night-blooming cacti known as “Queen of the Night.” Native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, these climbers produce some of the largest, most fragrant cactus flowers, opening at dusk and fading by dawn, making for a truly magical nighttime display.
Read MorePlant Care Essentials:
Plant Profile:
- Scientific Name: Selenicereus (genus)
- Size: Often 10–20ft
- Plant Family: Cactaceae
- Temperature Tolerance: Can’t go below 5–10 °C
- Poisonous To Humans: No
- Plant Type: Ornamental
- Light Requirements: Bright indirect light to partial sun
- Pruning Month: After bloom or late winter
- Fruits: Yes
- Tropical: No
- Indoor: Yes
- Flower Color: Large, white to creamy-white flowers
- Plant Origin: Central America, Caribbean, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing once established
- Flowering Season: Late spring to summer
- Poisonous To Pets: No
Care Instructions:
These cacti feature slender, ribbed stems that scramble and climb with aerial roots. S. grandiflorus has 8-ribbed grey-green stems and short spines, while S. macdonaldiae and S. pteranthus have 5–7 ribs and fewer spines. Flowers are enormous white or creamy corollas with narrow sepals; S. grandiflorus is strongly scented, while others may lack scent. These species grow quickly and propagate easily via cuttings or seed.
Light
Bright, indirect or partial sun is ideal. Indoors, situate within 1 ft of a bright south or west-facing window. Too little light risks poor bloom.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist during spring and summer; 0.5 cups every ~12 days in a 5″ pot as a guide. Reduce drastically in winter to near dryness.
Soil
Use a blend of peat, loam, sand, perlite or charcoal—truly well-draining yet humus-rich. Aerial roots help epiphytic growth.
Temperature
Maintain a winter minimum of 5–10 °C (41–50 °F). Summer warmth aids blooming; avoid exposure below this threshold.
Humidity
Appreciates moderate to high humidity. Aerial roots thrive when air is slightly moist. Provide airflow to avoid fungal issues.
Fertilizer
Feed lightly once during the active growing season with a specialized cactus fertilizer. Over-fertilizing might reduce blooms.
Best Placement Ideas
- Climbing up a trellis near evening patio seating
- In hanging baskets to display stems and blooms
- Against a lightly shaded wall or among trees
- Indoors near a south/west-facing window with support
Common Issues
- Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
- Leaf bud drop without sufficient light or warmth
- Minor pests like scale or mealybugs
- Failure to bloom due to low light, excessive feed/water, or cold winters
Things to Watch Out For
- Don’t prune aerial roots—they absorb moisture and nutrients
- Winter cold (<5 °C) can prevent spring flowering
- Avoid shifting pots during bud formation to reduce bud drop
Propagation Tips
Cut and air-dry stem segments for a few days before planting in well-draining mix. Roots form quickly. Seeds take longer but are also viable. Propagate after bloom or in spring.
Maintenance Tips
Repot when pot-bound or every 2–3 years, refreshing soil. Support stems on trellises or stakes. Remove spent blooms after they fade. Monitor for fungal spots if humidity is high.
Did You Know?
Some Selenicereus flowers can span over a foot wide, emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, and bloom for just one night, yet their beauty deeply inspires gardeners worldwide.
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