Vanilla Cactus 'Queen of the Night'

You can watch them unfurl as the sun sets. As they open they release their powerful, intoxicating perfume. It really is quite a show. The blooms are amazing, like something from a science fiction movie and up to 30cm long. They last only one night, though the plant produces many of them. The more established the plant the more blooms you will have.
Slender green stems with elongated yellow spikes that fade to grey. An average of 5-8 on a plant. Allow them to dangle from hanging baskets or provide support for them to grow up in pots. Grow in an epiphytic cactus compost. Add a diluted liquid fertiliser every three weeks in summer.
A tropical cactus epiphyte from Jamaica and Cuba. They bloom at night because in their natural environment they are pollinated by bats.
Queen of the Night or Selenicereus grandiflorus is an excellent house or balcony plant. Grow in pots or hanging baskets. They flower best when they are pot bound. Grow in a bright light and keep away from cold drafts and heaters. Water to establish, then keep just moist through summer and allow to dry out between watering in winter.
Inspect foliage for scale insects and mealy bugs and treat with an insecticide.

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