I have been watching the buds form for weeks.

They change each day; getting bigger, getting greener, changing shape.

Last night was finally the night for my Night Blooming Cereus to bloom.

I could tell it was time by the giant buds actually quaking in anticipation.

Their petioles had curved up to get the blooms into a horizontal position. Thus the name ‘Dutchman’s Pipe.’

At around nine PM the petals had opened up to exposed the stamens and pistil.

The parts kept peeling back until the throat was opened wide.

I waited hours for a pollinating bat. Only small moths appeared around the blooms.

The scent was a mixture of wintergreen mint and coconut.

This Epiphyllum oxypetalum is truly amazing in every way.

Oh, what a night!

Flower