Selenicereus blooms at night, hence the name "night cactus".

The flowers are large and impressive, but the bloom usually lasts only one night. Queen of the Night is an example of a closely related species that is somewhat more well-known as an indoor houseplant. However, S. anthonyanus has slightly red flowers while Queen of the Night has white.

Care.

Although this is a cactus, it should be treated more like a regular houseplant or orchid. It should be watered regularly but allowed to dry out between waterings. It should be planted in very airy soil, such as our peat-free soil , as it grows epiphytically in nature.

It can be fertilized once a month with orchid or cactus fertilizer. Water less in winter and protect the plant from dry air above radiators.

Botanical description.

The night cactus genus ( Selenicereus ) is a genus of plants in the cactus family. The scientific name Selenicereus is derived from the Greek moon goddess Selene, referring to the nocturnal flowers. Selenicereus anthonyanus is endemic to the humid rainforests of southern Mexico, where it grows in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz.

Appearance.

The flowers are night-blooming, spectacular and have a noticeable fragrance. Some flowers can be up to 30 cm in diameter, and most have long, narrow flower tubes covered in scales, hairs, bristles or spines. Most flowers are white, but this particular species has red or yellowish outer petals. They are often spread among collectors because they can be easily propagated by taking cuttings. Buy a truly unusual cactus online!