Queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) Flower, Fruit, Uses

Queen of the night

Also known as: Lady Of The Night, Princess of the night, Jungle cactus

Queen of the night is a unique flowering plant. Its flowers are funnel-shaped and have clean white petals and an aromatic scent. Each flower blooms on a single quiet night and fades within hours, making the plant a veritable moonlight beauty.

Scientific classification

Species

Queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring

Harvest Time

2 m to 6 m

Plant Height

50 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

8 cm to 17 cm

Flower Size

Pink

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Pink

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Queen of the night

Distribution of Queen of the night

Distribution Map

Queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is native to Central American forests but has been introduced to the east part of South America and parts of the Caribbean, Vietnam, and China. This plant is cultivated outdoors in tropical climates and is a popular houseplant elsewhere.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Tropical moist forest

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It can purify air, kill and inhabit bacteria.

Garden Use

Queen of the night is a long-lived, fast-growing fragrant cactus that is mostly used in patios and containers for Mediterranean gardens, with gardeners liking its fragrant and showy aspects. It has a climbing habit, large night-blooming flowers during the late spring and early summer, and it's relatively disease-free.

Symbolism

Instant beauty, immortality, luck, prosperity

Interesting Facts

Legend goes that the queen of the night flower was punished by a god and could only bloom for just one moment every year. In order to meet her beloved one who collected morning dew for Buddha every year, she could only choose to bloom at that time. So a year's worth of charm was put into her blooming at that one moment, hoping her beloved would notice.

Name Story

Dutchman's pipe cactus: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is also called Dutchman's Pipe cactus because of its curved tube. It is perhaps the most commonly seen of the Epiphyllum genus. Although it blooms better in smaller pots, it somewhat makes a more attractive houseplant before bloom.

Nightblooming cereus: It blooms rarely and only at night and the flowers wilt before dawn. Though it is sometimes referred to as a Nightblooming cereus, it is not closely related to any of the species in the tribe Cereeae, such as Selenicereus. It is more commonly known as nightblooming cereus. All Cereus species bloom at night and are terrestrial plants while all Epiphyllum species are usually epiphytic.

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Quickly Identify Queen of the night

Enormous nocturnal white flowers emitting strong fragrance, lasting a single evening.

Photosynthetic, succulent cladodes serving as 'leaves' up to 18 inches (45 cm) long.

Vibrant magenta oblong fruits resembling pitaya, with black-seeded white flesh, up to 6 inches (15 cm).

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Care Guide for Queen of the night

Every 2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Queen of the night prefers a tropical-like environment with high humidity and occasional rainfall. It is drought tolerant, requiring water every two weeks. Primarily grown indoors for its night-blooming flowers, queen of the night thrives in areas with elevated ambient moisture.

Fertilize: Queen of the night thrives with bi-weekly fertilization during the growing season (spring to early fall) using a diluted cacti/succulent fertilizer. Reduce to monthly in dormant periods. Apply at quarter strength to avoid root damage, ensuring soil moisture beforehand for optimal health and flowering.

Pruning: Queen of the night requires minimal pruning; focus on removing withered flowers and branches. This allows the plant to allocate nutrients to promote healthy growth.

Propagation: Queen of the night thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering and bright, indirect light. It features nocturnal blooms, and propagation is best through cuttings. Allow cuttings to callous, then plant in cactus mix. Maintain moist soil and provide warmth and partial shade for optimal growth.

Repotting: Queen of the night thrives as an epiphytic cactus with large, fragrant flowers. Repot every 2-3 years in spring using a pot 20-25% larger than the root ball. Use well-draining soil, provide bright, indirect light, and water minimally, allowing soil to dry between sessions.

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