Adopted Cactus...Unidentified as well...

20 years ago

I adopted this cactus last fall after its previous owner passed away. It was left to die on the sidewalk and eventually my apartment's maintenance man asked me if I wanted it. I gladly took it home! I know nothing about growing cacti so I am surprised to see that I have managed to keep it alive . . . and even more surprised that it decided to bloom! I am interested in knowing more about this cactus.

Does anyone know its name? The bloom only lasted one night . . . and never reopened. Luckily my husband spotted the open bloom that evening or we wouldn't have been able to enjoy it. Is this normal to have a night-blooming cactus? And for only one night?

Thanks ahead of time for anyone's response . . . I love to learn about plants!

((Please see the first picture below . . . I'll post a few more in replies to this message.))

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Comments (6)

alouwomack
Original Author
20 years ago
Another photo...
alouwomack
Original Author
20 years ago
Forgive me. I am new at uploading images onto GardenWeb. Here is a gallery of the pictures we took the afternoon/evening the cactus bloomed.

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borrego
20 years ago
Cactus Rescue 101 - I think it is a cereus peruvianus. If so, it will only bloom for 1 night and close back up. One thing I see in the photo is one pot inside another. If you do some research on this forum, I would strongly suggest repotting it into the bigger pot. I hope this helps.

P.S. Don't know what part of the U.S. you are in, but that is going to greatly influence the care for this plant.
alouwomack
Original Author
20 years ago
Yes, I agree the cactus definitely needs to be repotted. Honestly, I haven't given it much love. I'm surprised it has put up with the neglect. Thanks for the response. I'll look into loving it more since its working so hard to be appreciated!
alouwomack
Original Author
20 years ago
I think the first guess might be right. After reading more about the species it sounds even more convincing. I found this photo on www.antiguanice.com. It shows a great example of the beautiful blooms that it produces.

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borrego
20 years ago
This species will grow quite large in time, if cared for properly. If you want to grow it large and have the room, plant it in the ground and watch it go........