Finding and Growing Night-Blooming Cereus: Foliage Identification and Winter Care

What to Look For

Night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum or Selenicereus spp.) has flat, leaf-like stems with scalloped edges. It's a tropical epiphytic cactus—not hardy below 32 °F (0 °C).

Overwintering in Cold Climates

• Grow in a pot; move outdoors in summer (full sun).
• Bring indoors when nights drop below 50 °F (10 °C).
• Keep in bright window (east/south/west), water sparingly.
• Cool, dry rest (50–55 °F) encourages flowering.

Propagation

Take 6–8 inch stem cuttings in spring; let callus, root in cactus mix. Cuttings root easily.

Bloom Watch

Flowers open at night, wilt by dawn. Buds appear after a cool, dry period. Stay up late to enjoy the fragrant, dinner-plate-sized blooms.