This plant is native to the high cliffs of the Hawaiian Islands (Its the plant with the cabbage-like leaves, left center of photograph). While Brighamia insignis is very rare in the wild it getting more common to see it in cultivation. My plant finally bloomed earlier this month (I've been waiting about two years!).
I've had one of these for a couple of years and have yet to see blooms. The spider mites really like her leaves!
Congrats on the blooms! Now I see what I (might, lol!) have to look forward to!
Sorry, my photograph is rather fuzzy, which makes it difficult to see the flowers. The plant’s tubular blossoms are a pale creamy yellow color. I think they are (or were) pollinated by a species of nocturnal moth. Interestingly enough the flower’s sweet fragrance is strongest at night. I live in Southern California, which makes it easier to grow these plants. I have it potted in mix of perlite, coarse sand and organic compost. It only gets water when the soil dries out and I only bring it indoors if the temperatures go below 40 degrees (which of course is not even considered cold in Zone 4a). But I think they would do well in a cool greenhouse during the winter. Just go easy on the watering. Good luck.
Good info, lorien4, Thanks!
Do you give yours full sun? I think that's my plant's problem with the spider mites....the site with full sun (south window)is quite dry. I tried growing it in less light and it didn't do well at all.
