Capturing the Magic of the Bramha Kamala: A Night Blooming Marvel

The Bramha Kamala flower, scientifically known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum, goes by many names: Queen of the Night, Star of Bethlehem, and Tan Hua, as featured in "Crazy Rich Asians." This elusive, night-blooming flower has captivated me for years, keeping me awake all night each year to witness its brief but breathtaking display.

A Journey with the Queen of the Night

My introduction to this fascinating plant came from my mom’s best friend, who gifted us a cutting of the Bramha Kamala. After nurturing it in our garden, we were finally rewarded with its stunning blooms. The anticipation of watching this flower open, knowing it would wither by morning, was a magical experience. The musky, sweet aroma drifting through the air was just as mesmerizing as its delicate petals.

The Challenge of Capturing the Perfect Shot

Each year, I attempted to capture the essence of the Bramha Kamala's bloom in a timelapse. However, it was a daunting task filled with numerous challenges. The wind would jostle the flower, rain would ruin the shoot, or I’d simply forget it was blooming night. Then there were the technical mishaps: battery failures and poorly timed equipment malfunctions. These rookie mistakes taught me valuable lessons but also led to many missed opportunities.

Determined to get the perfect shot, I decided to bring the plant indoors. I carefully set up lights, positioned my camera, and used an intervalometer to create the timelapse. Locking myself in the room to avoid any disturbances, I began the painstaking process. The room was a sanctuary for over 12 hours, dedicated to capturing this one moment of natural beauty.

The Reward of Patience

Finally, after nearly 12+ hours of setup and shooting, I had the footage I had longed for. The Bramha Kamala’s petals slowly unfurled, revealing their splendour to my lens. Editing the timelapse took several more hours, but the result was worth every minute. I could now share the magic of this flower's bloom with the world.

Here’s the fruit of my labour: 12 hours of filming condensed into a captivating minute. Enjoy this glimpse into the wonder of the Bramha Kamala.

Share Your Experience

Have you ever seen the Bramha Kamala bloom? I'd love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below! If you’re as enchanted by this plant as I am and live near Bangalore, reach out to me—I’d be happy to share a cutting with you.

Witnessing the Bramha Kamala bloom and capturing its beauty was a challenging but immensely rewarding journey. It never fails to amaze me, and I hope it brings you the same sense of wonder.