How to Grow Climbing Cereus
Climbing Cereus
Selenicereus anthonyanus
vineClimbing Cereus is a sprawling, epiphytic cactus with flat, ribbon-like stems that produces stunning, night-blooming white flowers. It is a tropical plant that thrives as a houseplant or in warm outdoor gardens, valued for its dramatic nocturnal blooms and architectural foliage. This plant is also known as the Ric Rac Cactus or Fish Bone Cactus due to its distinctive zigzag stem structure.
When should you plant Climbing Cereus in your zone?
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Example Climbing Cereus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Climbing Cereus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Climbing Cereus
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones and brought indoors
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Get my Climbing Cereus timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant with developing flat, zigzag stems and establishing root system
Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Use well-draining soil mix. Protect from cold temperatures below 50°F.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsPlant develops long, flat, segmented stems with characteristic wavy edges; foliage deepens in color
Water regularly during active growth. Provide support structure (trellis, moss pole) for climbing. Feed monthly with balanced or cactus fertilizer. Maintain warmth and humidity.
Bud Formation
4-8 weeksSmall buds appear along the stem margins, typically in late summer or early fall
Reduce watering slightly to encourage flowering. Maintain cooler temperatures (60-70°F at night) if possible. Avoid moving the plant once buds form.
Flowering
One night per flower; blooming extends over weeksLarge, fragrant white flowers bloom at night, typically 6-8 inches across, closing by morning
Enjoy the blooms; flowers typically last one night. Maintain consistent care. Ensure good air circulation. Do not disturb the plant.
Post-Bloom & Rest
2-4 monthsFlowers drop; plant may produce red berries if pollinated. Growth slows in fall/winter
Reduce watering and fertilizing during winter rest period. Maintain temperature above 50°F. Resume normal care in spring as growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; improve air circulation
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Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use miticide or neem oil if severe
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Remove manually; treat with neem oil or horticultural oil; repeated applications may be needed
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, dry soil if roots are affected; remove dead tissue
Uses
Edible Berries
CulinaryThe small red berries produced after pollination are edible and have a sweet, mild flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in preserves. [source]
Ornamental Night Blooms
HouseholdThe spectacular nocturnal white flowers are highly fragrant and prized by gardeners and night-blooming plant enthusiasts. Perfect for evening garden viewing or special night garden events. [source]
Traditional Folk Medicine
MedicinalSome cacti species have been used traditionally in folk medicine for various purposes, though scientific evidence is limited. Consult healthcare providers before any medicinal use. [source]
Living Wall Art
CraftThe dramatic flat stems make Climbing Cereus excellent for creating living trellises, moss poles, and vertical garden displays. Its sculptural form provides architectural interest year-round. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeNight-blooming flowers attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. Day-blooming cereus varieties attract hummingbirds, making it valuable for wildlife gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Climbing Cereus is grown for ornamental blooms rather than harvest. Enjoy the night-blooming flowers by observing them during evening hours. If red berries form after successful pollination, they can be left on the plant for ornamental value or carefully harvested when fully ripe.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Climbing Cereus flowers are called 'Queen of the Night' in some regions due to their dramatic nighttime blooming and intoxicating fragrance that lasts only until dawn.
- 🌱 The plant is epiphytic, meaning in its natural habitat it grows on trees in tropical rainforests rather than in soil, making it an excellent candidate for mounted displays.
- 🌱 Selenicereus species are related to Dragon Fruit (Pitaya); some varieties produce edible, commercially valuable fruit.
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