Night-Blooming Cereus

Night-Blooming Cereus

Night-Blooming Cereus Overview

The first night-blooming cereus arrived in Hawaii in 1830 aboard the sailing ship Ivanhoe. The plant has a fleshy stem with aerial roots, which makes it capable of climbing up trees and walls. It blooms in the summer and fall. Its yellow-white flowers can be a foot (30 cm) long and emit a spicy fragrance. They open in the early evenings and wither the next day.


Frequently Asked Questions

🌙 Why is it called the night-blooming cereus?

This cactus blooms at night, usually after sunset. The large flowers open in the evening and wilt by morning, making them a rare and fleeting sight.

📅 When does the night-blooming cereus flower in Hawaii?

It typically blooms during the summer and early fall, with peak blooming often occurring between June and October.

🧗 Does the cereus vine climb?

Yes, the night-blooming cereus has aerial roots that allow it to climb tree trunks, fences or even stone walls.

🚢 How did it come to Hawaii?

The first cereus plants arrived in Hawaii in 1830 aboard the ship Ivanhoe and have since become a popular ornamental species.

🌺 What does the flower smell like?

The large yellow-white blossoms emit a distinct spicy fragrance that intensifies during bloom hours in the evening.