Queen of the Night
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
A climbing epiphytic cactus featuring flattened, leaf-like stem segments and producing large, fragrant white nocturnal flowers attached to long, curved floral tubes.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the stems.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler winter months. Avoid keeping the roots in standing water.
- Growth
- Perennial epiphytic or lithophytic climbing cactus with long, sprawling stems growing up to 10 feet or more in length, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and allow the potting mix to dry out significantly between waterings. Use a well-draining, coarse epiphytic or orchid-type soil mix and feed with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; protect from harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the stems.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry. Reduce watering frequency during the cooler winter months. Avoid keeping the roots in standing water.
Soil
Well-draining, porous soil mix containing peat, perlite, and orchid bark with an acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 11; protect from freezing temperatures and frost as it cannot tolerate prolonged cold.
Growth habit
Perennial epiphytic or lithophytic climbing cactus with long, sprawling stems growing up to 10 feet or more in length, featuring a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Late spring through autumn, producing large, nocturnal white or cream-colored flowers with a strong fragrance that open at night and close by morning.
Propagation
Propagated easily from stem cuttings allowed to callus over for a few days before planting in a sandy, well-draining rooting medium.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in heavy, poorly draining soil. Mealybugs and scale insects may occasionally appear on the stems.
Similar species
Epiphyllum anguliger (Fishbone Cactus), which has distinct zigzag stems rather than the broader, wavy-margined flattened stems of Epiphyllum oxypetalum.