cynd11
September 12, 2016, 2:35am
#1
Hey folks–
Kind of excited: our night-blooming cereus decided to throw out a bloom. It only does that every few years (we probably aren’t taking proper care of it) and the bloom only lasts one night. Here’s what it looked like 4 hours ago:
And 30 minutes ago:
Was thinking of having a watch party. Too late now!
25 Likes
Jules
September 12, 2016, 2:40am
#2
Lucky you!
(Yeah, once a year.)
My mom has one too - she said it bloomed the other night and they missed it!
4 Likes
So beautiful–what a lovely, rare pleasure.
4 Likes
JonS
September 12, 2016, 2:54pm
#5
Serious question: If they missed it, how did they know it bloomed?
2 Likes
Jules
September 12, 2016, 2:58pm
#6
they saw the drooped blossom the next day.
3 Likes
JonS
September 12, 2016, 3:20pm
#7
Oh wow, I assumed it just closed back up. But it actually dies!?!
2 Likes
Jules
September 12, 2016, 3:31pm
#8
I think so, I’ve never actually caught one in action…I’d have to ask mom.
But yeah, it’s a one time thing for that blossom. (I think the plant is okay until the next year when it puts out another bloom.)
It is kind of rare to see one bloom, hence the big deal.
Reminds me of the Corpse Flower.
5 Likes
JonS
September 12, 2016, 3:36pm
#9
That’s pretty incredible.
2 Likes
cynd11
September 12, 2016, 4:08pm
#10
If you can catch it in full bloom, you can cut it off, put it in a bowl of water, and keep it a couple of days in the fridge. Here’s what it looks like now:
12 Likes
Wow, I wonder what it’s pollinator is? Guessing a moth or bat.
Any scent?
5 Likes
cynd11
September 12, 2016, 4:41pm
#13
I think either one can pollinate these flowers. Yes, it does have a significant, pleasant scent.
6 Likes
The Dennis the Menace flower!
7 Likes
vettha
September 12, 2016, 5:19pm
#15
Gorgeous. We should etch an image of it onto something… Or many things…
3 Likes
Drea
September 12, 2016, 5:42pm
#16
I was wondering about the scent as well. As someone else already pointed out, it bears some resemblance to a corpse flower, so I’m glad to hear that it doesn’t smell like one!
Where is its native habitat?
5 Likes
Jules
September 12, 2016, 5:46pm
#17
They thrive in the south - Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia…probably somewhat tropical.
(looks like a magnolia.)
5 Likes
vettha
September 12, 2016, 5:52pm
#18
The bud reminds me of Audrey 2…
9 Likes
erin
September 12, 2016, 6:13pm
#19
Was it the Simpsons where they were all waiting for a very rare flower to bloom and then it smelled bad? What do these smell like?
2 Likes