Native to Central and South American rain forests, night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is a climbing cactus sans the thorns. In maturity, it blooms in seven-inch, highly fragrant flowers, bi-weekly, from mid-summer to fall, from midnight until dawn, for one day only. If pollinated during this period, the plant will produce red berries after blooming. Night-blooming cereus can be grown outdoors, in the landscape, in the warmer regions of the U.S. Fortunately for northern gardeners, it thrives in pots as well. Take the cutting after the plant has finished blooming.
Use a sharp knife to cut a four- to six-inch length of stem off the night blooming cereus. Cut at a node, which is an area that looks like a joint.
Allow the cutting to sit in a dry area for two days.
Fill a planting pot with dry sand. Use your finger to create a planting hole for the cutting.
Dip the cut end of the night blooming cereus cutting into the rooting hormone and then stick it in the prepared planting hole.
Water the night blooming cereus cutting two days after planting by misting the soil with water from the misting bottle until it is barely moist.
Place the pot in a shady area until the night blooming cereus has rooted. You will know this has occurred when a gentle tug on it meets with resistance. Place the cutting in filtered sunlight and water it until the water drains from the bottom of the pot.