This is the TRUE Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) that you’ve heard and read about! Other epiphyllum cultivars may claim the name, but this orchid cactus is the real deal, the one that produces the complex all-white strongly-scented flower that lasts but one night. It borders on the surreal to watch this stunning flower begin to slowly open just after sundown — so much so that most owners invite family and friends over for a watch party to celebrate the event! As the clock approaches midnight the flower is fully open…and by the next morning it’s gone. (HINT: One year when we could no longer keep our eyes open we clipped the fully-opened flower and put it in the refrigerator before going to bed. The beautiful bloom was fully intact the next morning so we could show it off to friends!)

THESE ARE FRESH LEAF CUTTINGS WHICH YOU CAN EASILY ROOT TO MAKE YOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL PLANT.

Epiphyllums are found in nature beneath the canopy of Central American rainforests. Unlike their cactus cousins which live in the desert, they require water and shade -- and in return they will reward you with these stunning blooms!

In their natural settings epiphyllums grow along the ground or cling to trees. They propagate themselves by producing roots wherever a leaf touches the ground. Thus, a freshly-cut leaf will quickly and reliably grow roots when you put it in moist soil and keep it in a moist, warm and shady spot.

Most gardeners grow their epiphyllums in hanging baskets, where the serrated leaves hang gently down.

Starting a plant from a cutting:

"Epies" are easily grown from cuttings. Just follow these simple steps from the Epiphyllum Society of America:

1. Obtain a cutting approximately 6-8 inches long. You can plant it in its entirety or you can cut it in half to make 2 cuttings. If desired, apply root promoting hormone to the end to be planted.
2. Cure the cutting in a cool, dry, dark place for at least ten days to let a callus form over the cut.
3. Use a relatively small pot, no larger than 4 inches across. Epies like to be slightly rootbound.
4. When planting, hold the cutting in the empty pot with two or more areoles below the soil line. Add potting mix around the cutting till the cutting can stand on its own. Do not compress the mix.
5. WITHHOLD WATER for two weeks. (Optional - mist the cutting every few days. Don't soak the soil.) Once the cutting begins to root and shows some new growth, begin to water. From then on, never let the mix become bone dry. Let water run out of the drain holes every time you water. Continue misting, if you choose. Though epies are members of the cactus family, their needs differ from those of desert cacti.