Snake cacti open their majestic flowers at night. With their slender tendrils, the bizarre Selenicereen conquer any climbing aid provided. We have looked around the noble cactus genus and put together a selection of the most beautiful species for you.

The Queen of the Night is probably the most impressive species of snake cacti

Selenicereus grandiflorus - The Queen of the Night

This species is the undisputed leader in the ranking of beautiful snake cacti. Her breathtaking attributes make it clear why she rightly bears her title 'Queen of the Night':

  • Large, fragrant flowers, 30 cm long and up to 40 cm wide, open at night
  • Yellow or salmon colored outer petals surround a ring of white petals
  • Climbing shoots up to 5 m long and 1 to 2.5 cm thick
  • Pink, spherical fruits, 8 cm in size

The cactus communities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland bowed to so much beauty by choosing this species as cactus of the year in 2009.

Selenicereus x Disoselenicereus fulgidus - Red Queen of the Night

Since the pure species among the snake cacti mainly bloom white, knowledgeable breeders have tried to add more color to the flower spectacle. The result is this red flowering hybrid that otherwise has all the wonderful attributes of the White Queen.

Selenicereus pteranthus - Princess of the Night

With its huge, feathery flowers, this snake cactus species is impressive. The outer, yellowish, narrow petals frame the white to cream-colored flowers inside like a wreath of feathers. The royal appearance is rounded off by blue-green, purple-tinged, slender shoots on which conical, hard thorns cavort. As with all snake cacti, the flowers only open at night and exude an exotic scent.

Selenicereus setaceus - Romantic flowers

From the lowlands of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, this snake cactus species found its way into the hearts of German cactus friends. With its white, slightly ruffled petals and reddish thorns on green epidermis, the species enchants with its play of colors at night. At the end of the flowering period, red spherical fruits are formed, which are beautiful to look at and edible.

tips

The breathtaking genus of snake cacti not only impresses with its fascinating appearance. The beautiful species are also easy to care for. This includes, among other things, that they like to spend the winter at their traditional, sunny window seat in the warm living room. Furthermore, they are one of the few types of cacti that easily make do with conventional flower fertilizer (€1.95).

Category:

Vegetable garden