Orchid Power - Night Blooming Cereus
Orchid Power
The Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is often erroneously called "Night Blooming Cereus" or "Queen of the Night."
Orchid Cactus fanciers are generally more than willing to overlook the plant's gawky, expansive nature if only to enjoy a single bloom once each year - although more mature plants can produce up to five flowers at a time. To add to the drama, the Epiphyllum blossom opens only at night, usually soon after sundown in mid- to late summer, taking several thrilling hours to open completely - and then close again forever.
The nocturnal performance features a creamy white alien abstraction, often up to eight inches in diameter, complete with rose-colored "tendrils" or tepals, pale green stamens and large butter-yellow lobes. The blossom exudes a warm, somewhat musky aroma easily capable of filling an entire house until sunrise.
The whole affair is extremely sensual, from the anticipation inspired by the bud as it swells like a milky balloon to the slow motion fan dance of the flower opening, releasing its rather indefinable fragrance, and then finally closing.
Some Epiphyllum fans actually throw impromptu parties to celebrate this magical event, while the rest of us are content to watch the show with a glass of wine and soft candlelight.
The Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is often erroneously called "Night Blooming Cereus" or "Queen of the Night."
Orchid Cactus fanciers are generally more than willing to overlook the plant's gawky, expansive nature if only to enjoy a single bloom once each year - although more mature plants can produce up to five flowers at a time. To add to the drama, the Epiphyllum blossom opens only at night, usually soon after sundown in mid- to late summer, taking several thrilling hours to open completely - and then close again forever.
The nocturnal performance features a creamy white alien abstraction, often up to eight inches in diameter, complete with rose-colored "tendrils" or tepals, pale green stamens and large butter-yellow lobes. The blossom exudes a warm, somewhat musky aroma easily capable of filling an entire house until sunrise.
The whole affair is extremely sensual, from the anticipation inspired by the bud as it swells like a milky balloon to the slow motion fan dance of the flower opening, releasing its rather indefinable fragrance, and then finally closing.
Some Epiphyllum fans actually throw impromptu parties to celebrate this magical event, while the rest of us are content to watch the show with a glass of wine and soft candlelight.
posted by Ralph Brownly @ 12:48 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home