A time-lapse video filmed in Jiangsu Province, east China captured the wondrous scene of a broad-leaved epiphyllum, commonly known as orchid cactus, erupting into full bloom. This marvelous flower blossoming lasts only for a single night once a year.

The 20-year-old orchid cactus bred 53 white, light mint flowers in one night.

Signs of the blossom started to show at around 19:00 as buds bulged little by little, and finally burst into to full bloom in the space of just a few hours.

At around 23:00, all 53 flowers came out and a thick fragrance permeated the air.

The orchid cactus prefers a dim and wet environment at an altitude between 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The blossom can only be found at nights during fall and summer, and withers after several hours. This characteristic gives the flower the name "beauty in moonlight" in China.

(Cover photo via VCG。)

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