The Lady of the Night in the Front Verandah garden flowered.
It started or I noticed that there was a flower bud at midday. It didn’t appear to start opening until about 2100, but it could have been blooming before then.
I also had to be a lady of the night so that I could record the opening of the flower. I nipped out in my nightdress to take photographs every half to on the hour until about 0030. H set up his overhead lights to provide better light than the camera flash could offer and accompanied me out and connected them up each time. Thank you!
H continued to check the flower after I finished, but said that it did not open any further.
The next morning we noticed that the flower was hanging down from its stalk.
It only flowered once and in the night.
The colour, texture and scent of the bloom was worth staying up for. Except, that if the weather had been cooler and I had been able to get a good night’s sleep I may not have been so keen 🙂
dilettante 
Fantastic! I suppose I’ll only ever see these bloom via internet, not ever having even seen one for sale around here. It would be worth staying up for all night, for sure!
Yes, I am/was excited 🙂
The original plant was a stalk in a pot that I gathered up from my MIL’s shadehouse when she died. I didn’t know what it was until recently.
Wrenhouse on Folia helped me to identify it, and since then I have been introduced to the Epiphyllum group on Flickr.
Pingback: here comes another one « dilettante
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this plant for over 35yrs. I migfrated from the caribbean and found it at a relative’s home. It grows from a leaf. I took a leaf grew it, gave pieces away and have been somewhat negligent with mine so it’s not much left of it. But yesterday I went out and decided it’s my main focus. So I’m starting new ones.
@Donna
I have just discovered this plant, and the flowers and their perfume gave me much pleasure. One of my neighbours has since given me other plants and cuttings of the same family and assures me that they are different colours.
While I’m reluctant to nurture a plant that does not thrive in the Western Australian sun, on the front verandah it does not appear to need much attention other than water and food now and again.
I’m pleased that you are getting some new ones going for yourself. Bits have broken off my plant and I think it is super how they grow into new plants so easily. I’ll probably have to start giving them away too!
I’ve been searching the Internet for a recipe(s) using this flower. I was given cuttings from a Chinese Master Gardener about 6 years ago. He gave me the soup recipe at the time. I’ve lost the recipe but have the plants. If any one has a recipe to share, thank you in advance.
Mark
So excited…my lady has seven blooms on it ..two are opening tonight!