Finding and Growing Night-Blooming Cereus

Night-blooming cereus refers to several cacti with spectacular nocturnal flowers. The most common and easiest to grow are Cereus hildmannianus (Peruvian apple cactus) and Trichocereus pachanoi (San Pedro cactus). Both are widely available.

Species Comparison

Species	Flower	Growth	Hardiness	Availability
Cereus hildmannianus	6-8", white, fragrant	Columnar, 15-30 ft	Zone 9-11	High (Home Depot, nurseries)
Trichocereus pachanoi	8-10", white, fragrant	Columnar, 10-20 ft	Zone 8b-11	High (nurseries, online)
Epiphyllum oxypetalum	10-12", white, fragrant	Epiphyte, trailing	Zone 10-11	Moderate (specialty)
Selenicereus grandiflorus	12"+, white, vanilla scent	Vining, epiphytic	Zone 10-11	Low (collectors)

Growing in New York (Zone 6-7)

• Container culture essential—move indoors for winter
• Summer: Full sun outdoors; weekly water + fertilizer
• Winter: Cool (45-55°F), bright light, monthly water
• Bloom trigger: Mature size (3+ ft), summer heat, slight drought stress

Sources

• Local nurseries (call ahead for "cereus" or "night-blooming cactus")
• Home Depot/Lowe's seasonal cactus section
• Online: Mountain Crest Gardens, The Cactus King, Etsy sellers
• Cactus society sales/shows

Care for Maximum Blooms

1. Pot in fast-draining mix (50% pumice)
2. Fertilize monthly spring-fall with cactus fertilizer
3. Provide 6+ hours direct sun in summer
4. Allow slight shriveling between waterings in late summer
5. Be patient—first blooms often at 3-5 years

The grandmother's plant was likely Epiphyllum oxypetalum (orchid cactus)—epiphytic, trailing, with the largest flowers. It makes a stunning hanging basket specimen.