Introducing the Moonlight Cactus, known as Cereus spegazzinii, which is a low-maintenance cactus species that belongs to the Cereus genus. Native to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, the Moonlight Cactus gets its name because of its captivating nocturnal blooms. Formerly, it was known as Monvillea spegazzinii.
The moonlight cactus is an erect, sloping, or creeping plant with cylindrical, blue-green stems that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2.6 inches wide.
It has ribs with wide areoles, with young plants having 2 to 3 blackish spines and older ones having one central spine and five radial spines.
The stems of this cereus cacti are a vibrant green color, providing a beautiful contrast against the night sky.
The flowers of this moonlight cactus open up at night, and their creamy-white or pale-yellow colors and delicate beauty resemble the soft glow of moonlight.
These flowers release a delightful fragrance, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. It's truly a magical sight to see these stunning blooms illuminate the darkness.
When it comes to moonlight cactus care, it is best to water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the active growing season, provide moderate watering, but reduce it in the winter months when the cereus plant goes into a dormant phase.
This moonlight cactus prefers a well-draining soil mix that replicates its natural habitat. A combination of cactus potting mix, coarse sand, and perlite works well. Do not use soils that are too heavy or water-retentive as this can cause root rot.
The Moonlight Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the morning or late afternoon. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may cause sunburn on its stems. Finding a balance between light and shade will promote healthy growth. When growing indoors, the Moonlight Cactus prefers warm temperatures between 60 to 80°F. For outdoor cultivation, it is well-suited to USDA zones 10-11.
The moonlight cactus, similar to the night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii), produces numerous basal shoots and eventually these side shoots grow and branch out, creating a fuller bushy cactus. The moonlight cactus can be propagated easily by cuttings.
Be sure to add moonlight cactus to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning looking Cereus plant.
Bloom Season
Flower Color
Growth Rate
Hardiness Zone
Mature Size
Plant Type
Resistance
Sun Exposure
Watering Needs
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer (Bloom at night) |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cereus spegazzinii |
| Common Name | Moonlight cactus |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Creamy white, pale yellow |
| Genus | Cereus |
| Growth Habit | Cylindrical |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Hardiness Zone | 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 6 ft. tall, 2.6 in. wide |
| Native Area | Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Resistance | Extremely drought-tolerant, heat tolerant, pest resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | well-draining soil |
| Special Features | Easy to maintained |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic for humans, mildly toxic for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
Growers Quick Reference Guide - Key Features
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Introducing the Moonlight Cactus, known as Cereus spegazzinii, which is a low-maintenance cactus species that belongs to the Cereus genus. Native to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, the Moonlight Cactus gets its name because of its captivating nocturnal blooms. Formerly, it was known as Monvillea spegazzinii.
The moonlight cactus is an erect, sloping, or creeping plant with cylindrical, blue-green stems that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2.6 inches wide.
It has ribs with wide areoles, with young plants having 2 to 3 blackish spines and older ones having one central spine and five radial spines.
The stems of this cereus cacti are a vibrant green color, providing a beautiful contrast against the night sky.
The flowers of this moonlight cactus open up at night, and their creamy-white or pale-yellow colors and delicate beauty resemble the soft glow of moonlight.
These flowers release a delightful fragrance, attracting nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. It's truly a magical sight to see these stunning blooms illuminate the darkness.
When it comes to moonlight cactus care, it is best to water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the active growing season, provide moderate watering, but reduce it in the winter months when the cereus plant goes into a dormant phase.
This moonlight cactus prefers a well-draining soil mix that replicates its natural habitat. A combination of cactus potting mix, coarse sand, and perlite works well. Do not use soils that are too heavy or water-retentive as this can cause root rot.
The Moonlight Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the morning or late afternoon. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may cause sunburn on its stems. Finding a balance between light and shade will promote healthy growth. When growing indoors, the Moonlight Cactus prefers warm temperatures between 60 to 80°F. For outdoor cultivation, it is well-suited to USDA zones 10-11.
The moonlight cactus, similar to the night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii), produces numerous basal shoots and eventually these side shoots grow and branch out, creating a fuller bushy cactus. The moonlight cactus can be propagated easily by cuttings.
Be sure to add moonlight cactus to your collection today and elevate the beauty of your home or garden with this stunning looking Cereus plant.
