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They Flower by Moonlight

© Norine Woods

The night-blooming cereus is usually thought of as a large desert cactus, but, like so many large plants, it is possible to restrain the size and grow it as a solarium plant, or even a houseplant, if you have a large room. There are two types of this plant, cactaceae hylocereus and cactaceae selenicereus. The hylocereus is a jungle vine. If you have space and patience, these epiphytes (epiphytes are plants that are not parasitic, but depend on another plant for support) can produce spectacular flowers. Unfortunately, they flower only once a year, on a summer night, and the flowers last for only twelve hours. Also they are very slow growing, as are all cacti.

If you would like to try hylocereus, remember that the plants need full sun in summer, and, unlike the desert plants, lots of water. Keep them bit cooler and not quite so moist during the winter months. They also need to be fastened to a mossy pole or bark support so they can climb. If they become too ungainly, they can be propagated from cuttings in spring. Hylocereus undatus is a common species with large, sweet-smelling white flowers.

Selenicereus requires similar care, but this bloomer also makes an ideal hanging plants. Selenicereuses come originally from the desert, so they want a sandier soil than hylocereus. Lots of water in summer, less in winter. These plants prefer a bit of shade in summer and need full sun during the winter months. They can be propagated by cuttings, but it might be best - and faster - to buy growing plants from a plant nursery.

Selenicereus produces huge, fragrant flowers, and, like hylocereus, the flowers bloom from sundown to sunup and only once a year. Queen of the Night, selenicereus grandiflorus puts on an extravagant show of white or pinkish blossoms. Queen of the Night is sometimes referred to as epiphyllum cactaceae. Selenicereus Macdonaldiae brightens the night with white and gold flowers a foot across.

Yet another plant that blooms at night is the cestrum nocturnium, or night blooming jasmine. These plants are huge, and belong to the nightshade family. They're best grown in a solarium or in warm areas, on the patio. Winter temperature, however, should never drop below 45 degrees. Cestrum is a shrub that can grow as tall as six to ten feet. They need constant pruning to keep them in control. Lots of light, but not full sun, a moist growing medium and occasional misting. Repot in spring if necessary.

The flowers, which open at night, are not all that spectacular, but their fragrance is very sweet, and can be almost

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