Say it: set-ee-ek-ih-NOP-sis mih-RAB-ih-lis. Common names: flower of prayer.
Where it grows
The dry lowlands of northern Argentina, in Santiago del Estero and neighboring provinces, hiding in grass and scrub.
Size and growth
A small brown-green column, usually 4–6 inches tall and an inch thick, with short bristly spines. Fast to mature and short-lived — most plants live 5–10 years — so growers keep it going from seed, which it produces freely.
Flowers
This is why people grow it. Long, slender buds open at night into white, sweetly scented flowers several inches across — as big as the plant is tall — then fade by morning. Plants bloom at just 1–2 years old and set seed without any help: the flowers pollinate themselves, so every bloom becomes a pod of seed.
Care
- Light: bright light to full sun.
- Water: regular in summer, dry in winter.
- Soil: gritty, fast-draining.
- Cold: keep above freezing.
From seed
Very easy, germinating in 7–14 days, and you'll have flowers within two years. A perfect first night-bloomer for a windowsill.