How to Grow Reward Night-Blooming Cereus
Reward Night-Blooming Cereus
Epiphyllum 'Reward'
flowerEpiphyllum 'Reward' is a night-blooming cereus cultivar prized for its spectacular large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night. This epiphytic cactus features flat, leaf-like stems and produces stunning blooms in shades of pink, magenta, or red with contrasting centers. It is a tropical succulent that thrives as a houseplant or in frost-free climates.
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Example Reward Night-Blooming Cereus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Reward Night-Blooming 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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First Reward Night-Blooming Cereus blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; grow in containers indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Reward Night-Blooming Cereus timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNew rooted cuttings develop a small root system and begin producing new flat stem segments
Keep soil slightly moist but not wet; maintain temperatures above 60°F; provide bright indirect light
Vegetative Growth
Several months to yearsPlant develops characteristic flat, segmented stems (cladodes) that resemble leaves; mature stems are green and fleshy
Increase watering as growth accelerates; fertilize monthly during spring and summer with diluted cactus fertilizer; provide sturdy support as stems grow
Bud Formation
1-2 monthsFlower buds develop along the edges of flat stem segments; buds are small and green initially, then swell
Reduce watering and withhold fertilizer in fall/winter to trigger blooming; maintain cool temperatures (50-60°F) for 4-6 weeks; avoid moving plant or changing light conditions once buds form
Blooming
Blooms appear over several weeks in spring/summerLarge, showy flowers open at night with pink, magenta, or red petals and prominent yellow or white stamens; flowers are intensely fragrant
Flowers typically last only one night; enjoy the bloom and allow pollination if desired; maintain consistent temperatures and humidity; do not disturb the plant
Dormancy
2-3 monthsPlant enters rest period in late fall/winter with minimal growth and no blooming
Reduce watering to minimal amounts; keep plant cool (50-60°F); do not fertilize; this cold/dry period is essential for next season's blooms
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate infected plant; wipe stems with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Manually remove with fingernail or soft brush; apply neem oil; treat with horticultural oil spray
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh dry soil if severe; trim away affected roots
Uses
Edible fruits
CulinaryMature fruits are edible with a mildly sweet flavor and are sometimes consumed fresh or used in beverages. The small red or pink fruits develop after pollinated flowers. [source]
Night-blooming ornamental
HouseholdPrized as a striking houseplant for nighttime flower displays; the intoxicating fragrance and spectacular blooms make it a collector's favorite for patios, porches, or conservatories. [source]
Low-maintenance houseplant
HouseholdRequires minimal watering and care compared to tropical plants; tolerates indoor light conditions well and thrives in containers on shelves or hanging baskets. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeFragrant night blooms attract moths, bats, and nocturnal insects; can support pollinators in outdoor gardens in warm climates. [source]
Breeding and hybridization
CraftEpiphyllum hybrids are popular among plant breeders and collectors; flowers can be hand-pollinated to create new cultivar variations. [source]
Harvest Tips
Epiphyllum 'Reward' is not harvested for fruit or foliage but rather enjoyed for its blooms. Flowers open at dusk and close by morning; enjoy them in the evening. If desired, hand-pollinate flowers with a small brush to encourage fruit formation (fruits are ornamental).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The flowers of Epiphyllum 'Reward' open at night and close by morning, earning it the common name 'night-blooming cereus'; the timing is an adaptation to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths and bats.
- 🌱 In its native rainforest habitat, Epiphyllum grows as an epiphyte on tree branches, not in soil, which is why it requires excellent drainage and prefers moisture-retentive but airy growing media.
- 🌱 Some specimens can live for 20-30 years or longer as houseplants, and historic cultivars may be passed down through generations of plant enthusiasts; well-established plants can bloom prolifically with dozens of flowers in a single season.
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