Moonlight Cactus: A Night-Blooming Wonder for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add some nocturnal drama to your garden, the moonlight cactus (Selenicereus) might just be the plant to catch your attention. This fascinating night-blooming cactus puts on quite a show when most other plants are calling it a day, producing spectacular white flowers that open under the cover of darkness.
What Exactly Is a Moonlight Cactus?
Moonlight cactus is a perennial climbing or trailing cactus that belongs to the Selenicereus genus. Despite its exotic appeal, this isn’t a native plant to most of the United States. It’s actually a non-native species that has naturalized in several warm climate areas including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild.
Where Does It Grow?
You’ll find moonlight cactus growing in warmer regions across Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Originally from Central and South America and the Caribbean, this heat-loving plant has found suitable conditions in these subtropical and tropical areas of the United States.
The Night Show: What Makes It Special
The real magic of moonlight cactus happens after dark. These plants produce large, stunning white flowers that unfurl during the night hours, releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts night-flying pollinators like bats and moths. By morning, the show’s over – the flowers typically close up as the sun rises, giving this plant its moonlight nickname.
The plant itself has long, sprawling or climbing stems that can create an interesting architectural element in the garden. While it may look delicate, this cactus is quite hardy in the right conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re thinking about adding a moonlight cactus to your garden, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 9-11 (it’s not frost-tolerant)
- Light: Partial shade to bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining soil is absolutely essential
- Water: Minimal watering – let soil dry between waterings
- Support: Provide a trellis or support structure for climbing varieties
Planting and Care Tips
Growing moonlight cactus successfully is all about getting the basics right. Plant it in soil that drains well – soggy conditions are the quickest way to kill this desert dweller. If you’re in a cooler climate, consider growing it in a container that you can bring indoors during colder months.
Water sparingly and only when the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering is much more dangerous than underwatering for these plants. During the growing season, a monthly feeding with a diluted cactus fertilizer can help promote blooming.
Garden Design Ideas
Moonlight cactus works wonderfully in desert-themed gardens, tropical landscapes, or as a unique specimen plant. It’s particularly striking in night gardens where you can enjoy its evening blooms. The climbing varieties look great on trellises, arbors, or cascading from hanging baskets.
Consider Native Alternatives
While moonlight cactus can be an interesting addition to suitable gardens, you might also consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits to local ecosystems. Depending on your region, native night-blooming plants or cacti species might offer the same dramatic appeal while supporting local wildlife and requiring less maintenance.
The Bottom Line
Moonlight cactus can be a fascinating addition to warm-climate gardens, especially for those who enjoy unique, night-blooming plants. Just remember that it’s not native to most areas where it’s grown, so while it’s not considered invasive, exploring native alternatives is always worth considering. If you do decide to grow it, prepare to stay up late at least once to witness its incredible nighttime flower display – it’s definitely worth the lost sleep!
