Night-blooming Cereus

Night-Blooming Cereus Overview

Night-blooming cereus is a climbing cactus with large yellow-white flowers that open in the evening. The first night-blooming cereus arrived in Hawaii in 1830 aboard the sailing ship Ivanhoe.

This flower is most striking because of its short bloom cycle. The flowers open in the early evening, release a spicy fragrance and wither by the next day. Each bloom can reach about 1 foot long, making the brief display especially dramatic.

Flowers, Climbing Stems and Bloom Season

Night-blooming cereus has fleshy stems with aerial roots. These roots help it climb trees, walls and other supports. Because of this growth habit, the cactus can spread upward rather than staying low to the ground.

In Hawaii, night-blooming cereus blooms in summer and fall. Its evening flowers make it different from many garden blooms that open during the day. The combination of large flowers, nighttime opening and fragrance gives this cactus its memorable name.

Night-blooming cereus stands out as both a flower and a climbing cactus. Related Hawaii flower pages include prickly pear, lilikoi, morning glory and orchid.