As inconspicuous as the long tendrils of this cactus may seem, when the flower opens, this is one of the most impressive natural spectacles. Care is surprisingly easy, so you can experience this little miracle at home. With our tips you too can observe this flowering miracle every year.
How do I properly care for the Queen of the Night?
Caring for the Queen of the Night (Selenicereus Grandiflorus) includes regular watering, weekly fertilizing with cactus fertilizer, repotting every three years, light cutting if necessary and cool overwintering at around 15 degrees Celsius.
How to water?
It is a common misconception that cacti need little or no water. The Queen of the Night needs to be watered regularly, especially during the growth and flowering phase. It is always watered when the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry. This can be easily determined using a thumb test.
How to fertilize?
From April, when the new shoots develop, fertilization must be carried out weekly. A special cactus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) is ideal, which you administer in the dosage stated on the packaging.
What should you consider when repotting?
Selenicereus Grandiflorus puts a lot of energy into the growth of tendrils and flowers. That's why regular repotting is important. Approximately every three years, at the beginning of the growing season, the plant is placed in a larger container. Proceed as follows:
- Place the pot on a firm surface and carefully spread the shoots (wear gloves!)
- Place a shard of clay over the water drain and fill a little substrate into the new vessel.
- Carefully loosen the root ball, it can be helpful to run a knife along the edge of the old pot and lift out the cactus.
- Shake off old earth.
- Place the cactus in the new pot and fill with substrate.
Which soil is suitable?
The substrate should be well-drained, slightly acidic and rich in nutrients. Commercially available potting soil, loosened with sand or perlite, is ideal. You can also use commercially available cactus soil.
Does Selenicereus Grandiflorus need to be cut?
You should only shorten the cactus if shoots have become unsightly or have grown too long. Supply the interfaces with charcoal to prevent fungi from entering this area.
Wintering
During the cold season, the Queen of the Night needs to be kept cooler over the winter. A temperature of around 15 degrees is ideal. However, this should not fall below 10 degrees, as there is a risk of cold damage. It is not fertilized and watered very sparingly.
What pests and diseases are threatening?
The proud cactus is very robust against pests and diseases. Too much water can affect it and there is a risk of root rot. Very rarely, mealybugs or mealybugs appear.
Tip
With her climbing or half-hanging, thorny tendrils, the Queen of the Night is a bizarre beauty. The long shoots require additional support. This can be a trellis. Selenicereus Grandiflorus also likes to grow into another plant. It doesn't crush them or damage them with its thorns, so you can enjoy the uniqueness of this plant community without worry.