Deadheading – The night blooming Cereus style
I've blogged about the Night Blooming Cerus before and I just couldn't stop talking about it because it's such a cool plant. It's part of the cactus family. When you see this awkward plant, you would think twice about getting it but don't let it fool you. When you see it in bloom, it will take your breath away.
This is not the kind of plant you find in the nurseries, people who have this plant probably got the original cutting from a friend or family (I got the cutting from my Uncle in CA). This odd plant only blooms in the evening, and only ONE evening. Since the flowers only last a few hours, it literally opens right before your eyes. It's sometimes called 'Queen of the Night'. I can't believe people make perfumes out of this plant! OK I promise this is the last post about this plant, I promise! 
Barbara from Garden Gone Wild has a blog post about this too-Night Magic.
Here are some pictures of the spent flowers after a night of blooming.
September 7th, 2008 - 21:22
We had one of these plants on our porch when I was a child. It was truly an “event” when it bloomed — all the neighbors came over to see. Even the “spent” ones look gorgeous, don’t they?
September 17th, 2008 - 21:49
I’ve got a night-blooming cereus, too. Yes, it’s a passalong from my Dad who got it from a friend. It’s always inside in my sunroom, so generally manages just one bloom a year. But it is a big event when it blooms, always worthy of a blog post or two! I can’t imagine how strong the scent would be in my house if there was more than one bloom at a time!
September 18th, 2008 - 08:13
jgh-yes I agree the spent ones look great with the soft pink and white.
Carol-it’s interesting how everyone who has a night-blooming cereus has a story behind it.