Selenicereus

Moon Cereus, Moonlight Cactus, Queen of the Night, Night Blooming Cereus

Message of the Flower

Supramental Riches

The Mother’s Comment

Riches that are at the disposal of the supramental being and still unknown to man.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

All wealth belongs to the Divine and those who hold it are trustees, not possessors. It is with them today, tomorrow it may be elsewhere. All depends on the way they discharge their trust while it is with them, in what spirit, with what consciousness in their use of it, to what purpose.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Most spiritual disciplines insist on a complete self-control, detachment and renunciation of all bondage to wealth and of all personal and egoistic desire for its possession. Some even put a ban on money and riches and proclaim poverty and bareness of life as the only spiritual condition. But this is an error; it leaves the power in the hands of the hostile forces. To reconquer it for the Divine to whom it belongs and use it divinely for the divine life is the supramental way for the Sadhaka.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

The ideal Sadhaka in this kind is one who if required to live poorly can so live and no sense of want will affect him or interfere with the full inner play of the divine consciousness, and if he is required to live richly, can so live and never for a moment fall into desire or attachment to his wealth or to the things that he uses or servitude to self-indulgence or a weak bondage to the habits that the possession of riches creates. The divine Will is all for him and the divine Ananda.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Colour

Pure white

Family

Cactaceae

Cultivars

Some species have cultivars selected for flower size or bloom habits.

Person who named the flower

Charles Antoine Lemaire

Flower Size

Can be very large, some species produce flowers over 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.

Flower Texture

Delicate, thin petals.

Number of Petals

Multiple layers of petals.

Floral Symmetry

Radial.

Fragrance of Flower

Often highly fragrant, especially at night when the flowers open.

Leaf Texture

These are cacti, so they have modified stems (cacti are stem succulents) rather than traditional leaves. The stems can be ribbed, smooth, or slightly spiny.

Leaf Arrangement

Not applicable as they have stems instead of leaves.

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with a bluish or purplish tint.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Climbing or sprawling cacti.

Life Cycle

Perennial.

Blooming Period

Mostly nocturnal blooms in late spring to summer.

Climate

Prefers warm climates but can be grown in cooler areas with protection or indoors.

Water Requirements

Moderate; requires well-drained soil and less water during winter.

Soil Type

Well-draining cactus mix or sandy soil.

Temperature Ranges

Can vary; some species are more cold-tolerant than others. Generally prefers temperatures above 50F (10C).

Sun or Shade

Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to common cactus pests like mealybugs and scale insects.

Pollinators

Night-blooming species are often pollinated by bats or large moths.

Habitat

Night-blooming species are often pollinated by bats or large moths.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provide nectar for nocturnal pollinators.

Ornamental

Highly valued for dramatic blooms and as collector's plants.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental or botanical interest.

Endangered Status

Some species may be threatened due to habitat loss or overcollection.