How to Grow Cereus

When the sun sets, night blooming cereus, a member of the cactus family, produces ornate flowers that remain in bloom after the sun rises. Unlike most cacti, they grow as vines that trail over the edges of indoor pots. The 7-inch flowers bloom white and produce a heady fragrance that scents the home pleasantly when the flowers are open. Cereus begins flowering when it is 4 years old. It produces new blooms every two weeks from midsummer until fall, but the cactus remains attractive year-round with proper care and maintenance.

Fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Place the potted cereus in an indoor location that receives full, all-day sunlight. Place outdoor pots in an area that receives some afternoon shade during the heat of summer.
- 2
  Water the cereus when the soil begins to dry out completely. Provide enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil, then allow it to dry again before the next irrigation.
- 3
  Fertilize once a month from March through September. Use a soluble houseplant fertilizer applied at the rate recommended on the label for cactus plants.
- 4
  Move indoor plants to a warm room that remains completely dark from sunset to morning during the summer flowering period. Cereus will not bloom if exposed to indoor lights at night.
- 5
  Bring outdoor pots indoors before the first expected fall frost. Place them in a warm, sunny room.
- 6
  Prune cereus in spring to maintain its size and shape. Thin out up to half of the plant's new growth with a pair of shears. Cut pencil-thin offshoots at the base of the plant. Trim the flat, segmented portions at the joint near the desired length.

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