Night-Blooming Cactus

The night-blooming cactus prefers to stay on the dry side and should be given little to no water all summer long. In winter, it will only need to be watered once or twice a month. If its soil becomes very dry in the summer, the plant should be soaked in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes and then gently squeezed out before adding more soil into the pot.

Night-blooming cactus should be placed in a bright sunny window in the summer, even in an unheated room. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause its leaves to yellow and eventually drop off. This plant should be moved to a cooler and shadier place when brought in during winter.

The optimum temperature for the night-blooming cactus is between 50-77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 - 25 degrees Celsius) during the day and Cooler temperatures between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit (10 - 12.5 degrees Celsius) at night.

The night blooming cactus prefers somewhat dry air. Humidity levels should stay below 50%, with the most optimal levels between 40-50%.

Night-blooming cactus needs a soil that is well-draining, both nutrients and moisture. An ideal potting mix for this plant will be a combination of peat moss, perlite, and aged compost. Avoid fertilizers and soil that is too rich in nutrients.

Fertilize your night blooming cactus once a month from spring to autumn with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, diluted to half the recommended strength. During the winter, fertilization is not necessary. Additionally, avoid chemical fertilizers and opt for an organic fertilizer or compost.

The night-blooming cactus is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. If you notice signs of infestation, it is recommended that you take the plant outside and spray it down with insecticidal soap. This should be done every couple of weeks until the infestation is under control. After treating the plant with insecticidal soap, gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

Night-blooming cactus should be repotted every two years during the springtime. When doing so, choose a pot that is two inches larger than the previous pot and use fresh potting soil. Also make sure to water the plant well before and after repotting.

Pruning is not necessary for night-blooming cactus, but may be done to help promote better growth. As the plant matures, it may be trimmed to encourage new growth. Prune in spring or early summer after the plant has bloomed or when no flowers are present. Make sure to use clean, sharp shears and to sterilize them between pruning and between plants to avoid infection.

Mulching is not mandatory, but it may help to keep the soil moist. If mulching is desired, use small pieces of mulch, such as bark chips, around the base of the cactus. This will help to retain soil moisture.

The night blooming cactus is best propagated from stem cuttings. Start by removing a 3-4 inch section of the stem. Allow the cutting to dry and callous over for several days until a callus forms and then plant in fresh potting soil. Be sure to keep the cutting warm and moist until it starts to show signs of growth.

Because of its upright-growing nature, the night-blooming cactus will need some type of support such as a stake or a trellis. The cactus should be tied to the stake or trellis as it grows for extra stability.

Night-blooming cactus does not need a rest period and can maintain its growth during the winter months. During this time, make sure to reduce watering and provide the plant with bright, indirect sunlight.

Night-blooming cactus is not toxic to pets; however, its sap may cause skin irritation if ingested. Be sure to keep this plant out of reach.