The Queen of the Night (Nattens drottning, Selenicereus grandiflorus) and The Princess of the Night (Nattens Princessa, Epiphyllum oxypetalum) are two species both flowering during night time. Both of them with big, white flowers emitting showers of exquisite scent. The flowers are almost identical, but the stems are different.
My flower – the epiphyllum originates from Mexico.
I was sent a leaf last year from my blogging friend Maria, at MariaYarri, and now, for some weeks, a giant bud was growing, fast, by the day…
We went to Riga for a couple of days, but I was constantly thinking about the fact that I might be missing out on this glorious event. But I was so lucky…
Yesterday we arrived home again – the bud was rising and now measuring about 20 cm.
Suddenly, towards evening, my daughter called from the living room that the Wonder was happening…an about 25cm large flower was unfolding.
I cut the corners short – meeting the flower from behind it looked like a star or a rocket…I was totally mesmerized by it and could not leave the room but for my cameras.
The lovely scent filled every corner, every tiny space of the room, and the two of us were both sinking into a trance…
…I simply had to catch this moment…tried the flash…but no…
It had to be natural…and from every thinkable angle. True beauty – I could not breathe.
Inside…
…another world
We stayed with her through her best, 2-3 hours, but went to bed when she started to fade and lay back her petals.
This morning – she was gone.
So grateful for this moment we had together. Nature is magnificent in all her splendour.
Leya 
Wonderfull post Sue so pleased you caught it’s moment of splendour.
Reminds me of Robbie Burns words,
‘ But pleasures are like poppies spread.
You seize the flower the bloom is shed.
And like the snow flake on the river one moment here then gone for ever.’🙏🐨😎
Thank you, Jack – and Mr Burns! I hope your flowers are coming along nicely!
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beautiful photos! 🙂
That flower i will never forget. I’m glad you enjoy her!
Vakkert! Magnificent post, Ann Christine.
Thank you, Dina! This was a grand moment for me – lasting about two hours. Who nows when it will flower again? We came home in the last minute!
So beautiful! Your photos are great. 🙂
When I finally got out of my trance status, I got some black backround – which made her even more outstanding! I’m glad you enjoy!
En sån skönhet!
Otrolig – eller hur! Jag fick ett blad i fjol av Maria…
Då blir det ju nästan ännu roligare att se den blomma…eller hur..väldigt fin!!
Fantastiskt vacker – jo – det är ännu roligare när man fått sticklingar av en god vän.
😊💖
How wonderful. The Princess of the Night waited for you, I am sure.
I’m very, very grateful that she did…I’m still in awe…
Gorgeous flower, and beautifully captured, Leya!
Thank you! This was a glorious evening for me!
Nature is a treasure, in all stages of its life… Beautiful !
Thank you! ”…in all stages…” it is.
You know my english is not sure… 😦
I was just quoting you – it’s correct!
Thanks… 😀
Beautiful!!
It was indeed – sorry it is only for one night.
Such a lovely story, Leya and beautiful documented ❤
Thank you, Hanna! This was indeed a great moment!