Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses sexual abuse, incest, and family violence.

Appearing in the novel’s title, cereus, a flowering, cactus-like succulent, becomes a symbol that connects the characters. The reader first learns of their significance when clippings from cereus plants are brought to Mala at Paradise Alms House by two unknown visitors. Tyler realizes that cereus must hold some personal meaning for Mala, and it is revealed that cereus are plants that her Aunt Lavinia admired. As a child, Aunt Lavinia told Mala about how they only bloom at night once a year. Lavinia was a pivotal figure in Mala’s life in positive and traumatic ways, and after losing her, cereus plants become one way that she clings to her memory.

The rare qualities of the cereus plant also represent the unique and mysterious aspects of the main characters, especially Tyler, Mala, and Otoh. Cereus is described as ragged or even ugly before it blooms, but when its flowers open, it has an almost magical beauty. Tyler and Mala in particular, and Otoh to a somewhat lesser degree, are ostracized and misunderstood. However, given time and patience, they transform into something awe-inspiring and unexpected. The blooming cereus plants also symbolize sexuality and sexual awakening.