Both Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum) and Night-Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus or Hylocereus) are epiphytic cacti known for their stunning, fragrant flowers. While they share similarities, they belong to different genera and exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of morphology, flowering habits, and care requirements.
Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum): Belongs to the genus Epiphyllum, which includes about 20 species. These plants are native to Central and South America and are primarily epiphytic, growing on trees in tropical forests.
Night-Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus or Hylocereus): Refers to several species, including Selenicereus grandiflorus (Queen of the Night) and Hylocereus undatus (Dragon Fruit). These are also epiphytic or lithophytic cacti, native to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Stems: Orchid Cactus has flat, leaf-like stems with scalloped or serrated edges, resembling orchid foliage. Night-Blooming Cereus, on the other hand, has thicker, ribbed, or angular stems, often with aerial roots.
Flowers: Orchid Cactus flowers are large, funnel-shaped, and come in vibrant colors like pink, red, white, or yellow. They typically bloom during the day or early evening. Night-Blooming Cereus flowers are equally large but usually white or pale yellow, with a strong fragrance, and exclusively bloom at night, wilting by dawn.
Orchid Cactus: Flowers may last for a day or two, depending on the species. They often bloom in spring or summer and are pollinated by hummingbirds or insects.
Night-Blooming Cereus: Flowers open only once, at night, and last for just a few hours. They are pollinated by nocturnal creatures like moths and bats. The blooming period is often unpredictable, adding to their mystique.
Light: Orchid Cactus prefers bright, indirect light, while Night-Blooming Cereus tolerates more direct sunlight but benefits from partial shade in hot climates.
Watering: Both require well-draining soil and moderate watering, but Orchid Cactus needs slightly more consistent moisture. Night-Blooming Cereus is more drought-tolerant.
Temperature: Orchid Cactus thrives in warmer temperatures (60–80°F), while Night-Blooming Cereus can handle slightly cooler conditions but is sensitive to frost.
Orchid Cactus: Often grown as ornamental houseplants or in hanging baskets due to their cascading stems and showy flowers.
Night-Blooming Cereus: Celebrated for its rare, nocturnal blooms and is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit (e.g., Dragon Fruit in Hylocereus species). It holds cultural significance in some regions, symbolizing fleeting beauty.
Both plants are epiphytic cacti with large, fragrant flowers. They require similar care in terms of well-draining soil and protection from extreme cold. Additionally, both are popular among collectors for their unique blooming habits.
