What is the name of this plant/flower?

Question

The stem of the flower itself is coming out the leaf of the main plant. My mom has a small garden in the back yard and it was very strange to watch the flower grow out of the leaf. It looked almost alien-like. I'm just curious about the name or the species of the plant. Any help would be very appreciated. I have pictures.

This one shows it right before blooming.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/midnightsnack_1200/IMG00111.jpg

This one shows it partly bloomed. You can see the plant it is coming out off right above it. It's the plant with the long wavy leaves.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/midnightsnack_1200/DSCF1630.jpg

The next two images show it in full bloom. Notice the weird pink tentacle-like things coming from behind the white petals.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/midnightsnack_1200/DSCF1629.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/midnightsnack_1200/DSCF1631.jpg

I also noticed that it only seems to bloom in the evening. Thank you!

Answer 1

The plant / Flower in question is scientifically  known as

Phyllocactus  OR  Epiphyllum.

( Here I am not talking about Aloe vera , which is already identified )

Images and information on the link below --

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphyllum

(  Epiphyllum ("upon the leaf" in Greek. This is in reference to the fact that the flowers are borne on the so called leaf.But , in fact , what looks like a leaf is the stem of the plant that has leaf like appearance !!!!!) is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to Central America. Common names for these species include orchid cacti and leaf cacti.)  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphyllum_...

(Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Dutchman's Pipe) is a species of cactus and one of the most cultivated species in the genus. It is also referred to as Night blooming Cereus and often confused with species of Selenicereus.)

The full name is Epiphyllum oxypetalum.

http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl...

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_807ivFxM0Jo/SF4-8N...

Answer 2

This is an orchid cactus. There are many similar species of orchid cacti so it is not possible to identify exactly. Those 'weird tentacles' are called sepals and are modified petals to protect the flower before it opens. Most of the plants with large flowers like this one have a flower that last just one day. There are others with cream, yellow, red or white flowers.

These plants are very easy to keep as home plants. They enjoy a humid atmosphere like a bathroom and good light levels.

Answer 3

Looks like its in the middle of a bunch of Aloe plants, can you separate it for a view by itself?