Perhaps the roots were not developed well enough to give them the food they need to open and survive. If you have been growing so long why don't you know what is happening? I surely would like to know. That name Cerus peruvianus has changed is was an incorrect designation it is now illeg. and not to be used so the books say. I also grow some cereus. Norma

Oh, I have not been growing cacti & such for a long time at all, I may have several, but I am a newbie for sure.
This is the first time since I started 2 years ago that I have seen black buds on these types of plants.
It makes sense that the reason must be their undeveloped roots; I have searched the net for answers but found only info as to how they grow, etc.
I knew someone here would provide an answer. Thanks!

I've had buds on my cereus turn black but it was only after we had a cold front come through and drop the temp about 30 degrees.

Factors that can cause buds to blacken include but are not limited to: thrips, too much water, too little water, cold front, heat snap, moving the plant....enough to make you pull out your hair!
Good luck, the flowers are so awesome on all the cereus'
Tally HO!

I sure would like to know which one of the above was the problem. We had one Cereus climb the Palm tree to the top. These cactus come from the Tropicals, but his others where not harmed. ? ? Norma

I also grow epi and never let the rooted cuttings set buds in the first year, they need time to grow strong roots, let them spend there time making roots, so they can feed the blooms and the new growth, it makes for a healthy plant and a strong plant has fewer problems, I try not to move plant when setting buds, I have a few desert cactus I do the same thing with.

Bear

I have had two of them, outdoors, for many years. They bloom beautifully from May through October. this is the first year that the buds come out, dont bloom, then turn black and fall off.

Dont think it can be a root problem because I have them many years. I love those flowers..... HELP please!!!!