Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Queen of the Night)

Fast-growing, long-lived, and sweetly fragrant, Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Queen of the Night) is a remarkable plant that enchants with its nocturnal flowering habit. The powerful scent and great beauty of the huge flowers often lead gardeners to invite neighbors over to watch the blossoms open!

Epiphyllum oxypetalum – Queen of the Night: An In-depth Look

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, commonly known as Queen of the Night or Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus, is a stunning, fast-growing epiphytic to lithophytic, spineless cactus with large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night. It is also known for its broad, flat, leaf-like stems that serve as photosynthetic organs.

Native: This species is native to southern Mexico, Guatemala and can be found in most parts of Central America and northern South America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, usually growing on trees in rainforests. It is a member of the Cactaceae family, which also includes the popular Chrismas cactus, prickly pear (opuntia), pincushion cactus (mammillaria), and the iconic saguaro cactus and San Pedro cactus.

Plant Type and Habit: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is an erect, then sprawling, spineless cactus with both epiphytic and lithophytic growth habits. While primarily an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants for support rather than nutrients, it can also behave as a lithophyte, growing on rocks and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and occasional debris.

Size: Typically, it reaches up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height in its natural habitat but is usually smaller when grown in pots or gardens. It can spread several feet across, with individual stems growing over 3 feet long (0.9 meters).

Flowers: The flowers are exceptionally large, up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, white, and highly fragrant. They open after sunset and last only one night, wilting by dawn. Blooming typically occurs in late spring or early summer. Typically blooms in late spring or early summer, though indoor plants might bloom sporadically. Discover unique flowers for a stunning and unforgettable garden

Fruits: When pollinated (in their native habitat, flowers are pollinated by bats), the flowers give way to oblong, purplish red fruits, 5 inches long (12 cm), that are edible and taste similar to passionfruit.

Foliage: Freely branching, this tropical plant produces long, flattened green stems that can reach up to 20 feet (6 meters) in length. It climbs by using aerial roots that adhere to the surface upon which it grows or climbs. These stems are segmented and often have wavy, lobed edges.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 10b to 11. In cooler climates, it must be grown indoors or in a greenhouse. Queen of Night is heat and humidity-tolerant.

Uses: Commonly grown as an ornamental plant, it’s popular in hanging baskets and large containers. Its nocturnal blooms are a spectacular feature in any garden or home setting.

Wildlife: Its flowers attract nocturnal pollinators, including bats and moths.

Toxicity: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Invasiveness: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not considered invasive.

Benefits: In addition to its ornamental value, it helps purify the air and can be a source of nectar for certain wildlife.

Growing and Caring for Queen of the Night

Light: Place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so filtered light is ideal. An east or north-facing window is typically best.
If grown outside, it should be in partial shade, particularly shielded from the harsh afternoon sun.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for cacti and succulents, or create your own mix using one part perlite or sand and two parts peat or a similar organic material.

Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season (spring and summer), keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall and further in winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Use lukewarm water and ensure thorough soaking. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again.

Temperature: It thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F, as it is not frost-tolerant.

Humidity: This plant prefers higher humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, especially in winter, use a humidity tray or a room humidifier to increase moisture.

Fertilizer: Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, once a month. It benefits from regular feedings, particularly formulas high in potassium, which support flower production. Do not fertilize in winter.

Pruning: Pruning helps control size, remove dead or damaged parts, and encourage thicker growth. It can also stimulate flowering. The best time to prune is after flowering or in early spring before new growth starts.

Repotting: Repot every two to three years in the spring to refresh the soil. This also gives you a chance to inspect the roots for health and size.

Queen of the Night: Propagation

Propagating Queen of the Night is a straightforward process, commonly done through stem cuttings. Here’s how you can successfully propagate this unique plant:

Propagation Time: The best time to take cuttings is during the late spring or early summer, just after the plant has finished blooming. This allows the cuttings to root and establish themselves during the warm growing season.

Choose a Healthy Stem: Choose a healthy, mature stem from the plant. Look for segments that are free of disease and pests.

Cut the Stem: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a segment of the stem about 4-6 inches long. Make sure each cutting has several notches or “areoles” (the small bumps from which leaves or flowers grow).

Let it Dry: Allow the cutting to dry for a few days until the cut end calluses over. This step is crucial as it helps prevent rotting when the cutting is planted.

Planting: Insert the callused end of the stem cutting into the soil. Use a well-draining soil mix suitable for cacti and succulents. You can enhance drainage by mixing in perlite or coarse sand. Make sure a few inches of the stem are buried to provide stability and encourage root growth. Sometimes, it might be necessary to stake the cutting to keep it upright until roots develop.

Caring for the Cutting: Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Bright, indirect light is ideal to foster growth without burning the young plants.

Water the cutting sparingly until roots form, as too much moisture can cause the cutting to rot. Once roots have established, gradually increase watering but always allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Maintaining higher humidity can help the cuttings root better. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a mini-greenhouse can create a humid microenvironment, but ensure there is still adequate airflow to prevent mold.

Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks. You can check for rooting by gently tugging on the cutting; if there’s resistance, roots have likely formed.

Transplanting: Once the cuttings are well-rooted and showing new growth, which may take several months, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a permanent location.

Queen of the Night: Common Problems

Queen of the Night, like all plants, can encounter several common issues, particularly when grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Here’s a guide to identifying and addressing some common problems with this cactus:

Pests

• Common Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are the most frequent pests that trouble Queen of the Night. These pests suck the sap from the plant, weakening it and sometimes spreading diseases.
• Solution: Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a suitable pesticide. Keeping the plant healthy and stress-free can reduce pest occurrences.

Diseases

• Root rot: This is typically caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include soft, brown roots and wilting leaves. Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and only water when the top inch of soil is dry. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim away any rotten roots, and repot in fresh, sterile potting mix.
• Fungal Diseases: Such as powdery mildew and botrytis, can occur, especially in humid or poorly ventilated conditions Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity if necessary. Fungicidal sprays can be used as a preventative measure or treatment.

Environmental Stress

• Sunburn: If exposed to direct sunlight, the plant’s leaves can get scorched, showing signs of white or brown burnt areas. Place the plant in a location where it receives bright, indirect light. If moving the plant outdoors, do so gradually to acclimate it to the brighter light.
• Temperature Stress: Queen of the Night prefers stable temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C). Frost or temperatures below 40°F (4°C) can damage the plant. Keep indoor plants away from drafty windows in winter and provide protection from cold if grown outdoors in marginal zones.

Nutritional Deficiencies

• Signs of Deficiency: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a lack of flowering can indicate a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium.
• Solution: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four weeks during the growing season. Ensure the fertilizer includes micronutrients like magnesium and iron, which are crucial for plant health.

Improper Pruning

• Over Pruning: Excessive pruning can stress the plant and reduce flowering.
• Solution: Prune sparingly, ideally only to remove dead or damaged stems or to control size. The best time for pruning is after blooming or in the early spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Epiphyllum oxypetalum bloom?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum typically blooms in late spring to early summer. Each flower opens after sunset, remains open throughout the night, and closes by morning. The blooming may last for several weeks, with each flower blooming for just one night.

How do I care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum indoors?

To care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum indoors, provide bright, indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 1-2 weeks, and reduce watering in the winter. Use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the growing season.

Why are my Epiphyllum oxypetalum’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves in Epiphyllum oxypetalum can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or nutritional deficiencies. Ensure the plant is not sitting in waterlogged soil, check for proper drainage, and consider applying a balanced fertilizer if the plant hasn’t been fed recently.

Can Epiphyllum oxypetalum grow outside?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum can grow outside in warm, frost-free climates (USDA zones 10b to 11). It should be placed in a location that receives partial shade, as intense direct sunlight can burn the leaves. In cooler regions, it’s best grown as a potted plant that can be brought indoors during colder months.

Why is my Epiphyllum oxypetalum not flowering?

Insufficient Light: While Epiphyllum oxypetalum does not need direct sunlight, it does require bright, indirect light to bloom. Consider moving it to a brighter location.

Improper Feeding: This plant needs a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support blooming. Ensure you are using a suitable fertilizer during the growing season.

Age of Plant: Young plants, or recently propagated plants, may not bloom for the first few years. Allow your plant to mature.

Incorrect Pruning: If pruned too late in the season, you might be removing the developing flower buds. Prune right after blooming to avoid this issue.

Stress: Environmental stress or changes can affect blooming. Ensure consistent care and avoid moving the plant frequently.

Why is it called Queen of the Night flower?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is called “Queen of the Night” because its strikingly beautiful flowers bloom nocturnally. The blooms open after sunset, are exquisitely fragrant during the night, and close by morning. This mysterious night-blooming behavior, coupled with its royal appearance, earns it the regal title.