Queen of the Night
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
An epiphytic cactus featuring flattened, leaf-like stems and producing large, elaborate, fragrant flowers that typically open exclusively at night.
- Light
- Bright indirect light to partial shade, receiving around 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months.
- Growth
- Perennial epiphytic or lithophytic trailing cactus, growing up to 10 feet or more in length with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and allow the potting medium to dry out completely between waterings. Use a well-draining epiphytic cactus soil mix and apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade, receiving around 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler winter months.
Soil
Chunky, highly porous soil mix containing perlite, orchid bark, and peat, with an acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 11, requiring protection from frost and freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Perennial epiphytic or lithophytic trailing cactus, growing up to 10 feet or more in length with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Late spring through autumn, displaying massive, white to cream-colored nocturnal flowers with a strong, sweet fragrance.
Propagation
Easily propagated through stem cuttings allowed to callus for several days before planting in a porous soil medium.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered in poorly draining soil. Common pests include mealybugs and scale, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Epiphyllum guatemalense and Disocactus flagelliformis, distinguished primarily by stem morphology and distinct floral structures.