Selenicereus innesii: An Enigmatic Night-Blooming Cactus
If you’ve stumbled across the name Selenicereus innesii in your plant research, you might be scratching your head – and for good reason! This particular plant name presents quite the botanical mystery that’s worth exploring.
The Mystery Behind the Name
Selenicereus innesii appears to be an extremely obscure or potentially invalid botanical designation. While the genus Selenicereus is well-established and contains some spectacular night-blooming cacti, the specific epithet innesii doesn’t appear in major botanical databases or scientific literature. This could mean the name is either:
- An outdated or invalid scientific name
- A misidentification of another Selenicereus species
- An extremely rare species not widely documented
- A horticultural name that hasn’t gained scientific acceptance
About the Selenicereus Genus
While we can’t provide specific information about S. innesii, we can tell you about its genus! Selenicereus cacti are fascinating plants known for their dramatic nighttime blooming habits. These epiphytic or climbing cacti are often called Queen of the Night plants, producing enormous, fragrant flowers that open after dark and typically close by morning.
Most Selenicereus species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Mexico through Central America and into parts of South America and the Caribbean.
What This Means for Gardeners
If you’re looking to add a night-blooming cactus to your garden, here’s our honest advice: instead of searching for the elusive S. innesii, consider these well-documented alternatives:
- Selenicereus grandiflorus – The classic Queen of the Night with massive white flowers
- Selenicereus undulatus – Features wavy-edged stems and spectacular blooms
- Epiphyllum oxypetalum – Another night-bloomer often confused with Selenicereus species
Growing Night-Blooming Cacti Successfully
If you decide to grow any Selenicereus species, here are some general care tips:
- Provide bright, indirect light (these are often epiphytic in nature)
- Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- Water regularly during growing season, but allow to dry between waterings
- Maintain humidity levels around 40-60%
- Most are hardy in USDA zones 10-12, requiring protection from frost
The Bottom Line
While Selenicereus innesii remains a botanical enigma, don’t let that discourage you from exploring the wonderful world of night-blooming cacti! Sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from discovering well-established species that offer reliable beauty and fascinating behaviors.
If you have definitive information about S. innesii or have encountered this plant, we’d love to hear from you. Plant taxonomy is constantly evolving, and community input helps us all learn more about these remarkable desert dwellers!
