Queen of the Night Flower care: Growing epiphyllum oxypetalum indoors
Most gardeners cannot resist the beauty of plants. Not only all kinds of plants, in all sizes, look wonderful, they also have character. The colorful hues and unique designs of all flowers contribute to a beautiful landscape regardless of which garden they are found in. Described as the Queen of the Night flowers, the blooms are so well-remembered because they open only at night. Additionally, this cactus bloom opens up and shares that pungent aroma and lovely white petals that you will never forget.
Although various common plants bloom beautifully all year with their vibrant leaves and colors, the flowers bloom for just a night. Even though the plant blooms for only a few hours, it draws immediate attention and gives a softer inclusion to open spaces due to the delicate, white flowers.
In addition to its nice appearance, this plant may offer another interesting encounter at a gathering. While the saying may not have much to do with a flower garden, it does have some application to the collection of the grower. This plant can be planted indoors and outdoors and is great for both gardens. It also blooms at night, and is fast growing — it can also handle a range of light levels and thrive in low light as the days grow shorter. Although you may have to move it from time to time, this short-lived beauty will reward you with stunning blooms. This plant provides an unusual flower experience and is suitable for anyone adventurous enough to include something a little bit off the beaten path in their collection.
Customers who want to acquire amazing plants of great quality will have access to wonderful plants, thanks to Growcycle. But with special care, you will be lavishly rewarded with beautiful flowers and development for the plant. All the necessary gardening supplies and tools are available in their place. These are all things you need to have great plants.
History and Origin
Queen of the Night is a quirky cactus with quite a story. Central and South American in origin, this cactus is named Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Native people admired it greatly for the sweet, night-opening flowers, which were used in ceremonies. When the blossoms open and wither in the darkness, they become an evocation of beauty and the transience of life. For these communities, this bond with nature was critical.
This plant made it to Europe in the early 1900s, and people there soon fell in love with it. Many people took a look at its strange blossoms and beautiful flowers. The novelty of these nightly blooms inspired countless writers and artists. Because of this, it is also known as "Night Blooming Cereus". There was a better way to farm over the years. This was what enabled more people to learn how to grow this special plant at home and at the allotment. Easy as it is to look after this lovely plant, it also reminds me of the ephemeral nature of beauty.
Related: Live plants
Physical Appearance
The Queen of the Night is stunning, isn’t it? This beautiful flowering cactus has flattened stems that are serrated. These stems can grow impressively tall, reaching up to 10 feet and adding some wow-factor to your garden. But the real glory of this cultivar is its flowers. Each blooms like a giant, translucent water lily, white petals stretching to 12 inches. That scent floated through the night air and the flowers, and only the flowers, looking so bright this time, made the visit remarkable.
But it’s not just the looks—those leathery, lush, dark green leaves provide the perfect background for those beautiful clusters. Dubbed storage leaves because they can hold so much water, these otherworldly plants are like cacti in that they can withstand all kinds of weather. With its architectural class and floral majesty, the Queen of the Night is hard to overlook in any collection.
Important Features of Queen of the Night
Here are the main points about the Queen of the Night flower:
- Night Blooming
The Queen of the Night is known for its unique blooming style. On the nights when big flowers open, the air is rich with a sweet scent. We all love to see it in the evening, a gorgeous sight, and every flower contributes to the night's magic.
- Impressive Size
This cactus can grow up to 120 inches in height, and the stems and pads will make this plant stand out from the other surrounding plants.
- Unique Flowers
The blossoms are large, and the width of the white petals reaches 12 inches. The petals are delicate and pretty. They also smell nice, so it’s an added pleasure to look at the flowers.
- Resilience and Care
The Queen of the Night succulent, with its strong, thick leaves, is marvelous at retaining water. These attributes enable the plant to do well in various weather and situations under good care.
Types of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum
Queen of the Night contains various species and hybrids, all with their own unique qualities, but with the enchanting appeal that makes this plant so beloved. The following are some interesting forms.
- Selenicereus Grandiflorus
Selenicereus grandiflorus is the most popular variety of Queen of the Night plant. It presents with large, bright white flowers. They bloom at night and showcase a spectacle that everyone can share. This particular cactus likes to grow where it’s hot. It is a favourite plant with many people, who place it in their gardens for its beautiful flowers. Every visitor who sees it has his or her attention attracted to it.
- Selenicereus Undatus
Another variety of Queen of the Night is the Selenicereus undatus (Dragon Fruit cactus). It has flowers with a cymose inflorescence arrangement, as well as yellow or pink fruit. The blossoms open at night and are quite beautiful! The fruit is edible and is enjoyed by many. It is for this reason that the Dragon Fruit cactus is attractive to gardeners. It provides both beautiful flowers and delicious fruit.
Selenicereus Megalanthus
Often referred to as the Yellow Pitaya, this variety is characterised by its vibrant yellow fruit and daintier blossoms. It adds a vibrant splash to the standard Queen of the Night strains. It is also known for how hardy it is and how well it grows in various conditions.
- Selenicereus Setaceus
Selenicereus setaceus is a lesser-known species, but it has rather long, thin stems and fragile blooms. Although its blooms can be a bit smaller, they are still beautiful and give you a unique display for indoor or outdoor gardens.
How to Choose the Right Type of Plant?
Selecting the perfect Queen of the Night flower for a collection is a matter of thinking about what works with the space and gardening preferences. Begin by looking at the climate, because Selenicereus grandiflorus gets along great in warm regions. It has a wonderful, old-timey look to it with big, beautiful flowers opening at night. Looking for both beauty and utility, this Dragon Fruit cactus, known as the Smile of the Night, also called Selenicereus undatus, would make a wonderful gift for you.
For a burst of color, the Selenicereus megalanthus stands out with its bright yellow fruits and beautiful flowers, adding a special touch to any plant collection. For those with limited space or a desire for something unique, the slender and delicate Selenicereus setaceus brings charm to the display. It's important to consider how to care for each plant, paying attention to their needs and strengths to ensure they thrive in the garden.
Related: Bird of Paradise care: Growing strelitzia for exotic blooms
Growing Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Indoors
Growing the Queen of the Night plant is joyful, and by following certain steps one can rest assured that this plant remains healthy and pretty. These are the key steps to growing it well.
Preparation of the Soil
The soil must be prepared for the Queen of the Night flower, as this is essential for strong growth. Gardeners will need a well-draining potting mix for succulents and cactus. This mix typically contains sharp sand, perlite, peat, or coconut coir. These substances allow for the free flow of water while keeping the roots from growing too moist.
The plant can benefit from the important nutrients provided by adding organic fertilizer before planting. You will also need a pot with drainage holes in order to let extra water flow away. If you are planting directly in the ground, determine the soil drainage as well. If the ground is too heavy and too wet, the balance can be restored by adding sand or gravel to help drain the water away.
Lighting Conditions
The Queen of the Night thrives in a sunny, well-lit spot. If you want good growth and blooming, it is important to. It is a fan of an east- or west-facing window that gets a few hours of filtered light. However, they prefer to be in the shade, so it's best to shade them from the afternoon sun, which can scorch their weak stems and papery leaves.
In the growing season — from spring to early fall — give it light for about 6 to 8 hours a day, avoid direct sunlight, and it will do well and flower. If you don’t get enough natural light, try a flowering grow light.
Watering Schedule
The Queen of the Night plant requires watering. But try not to overwater, as this could lead to root rot. The growing season runs between spring and early fall; during that period, soil should be kept slightly moist, not soggy. Watering again when the top inch of soil appears dry is a good rule of thumb for healthy growth.
Water every two to three weeks, depending on temperature and humidity. During the cooler months when the cactus is dormant, it is a good idea to water the cactus less. So it is also advisable to water during the morning. This will enable the plant to take up moisture during the day and not allow water to stand overnight, which can foster pests or disease.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant does best in 65-85 °F (18 °C and 29°C), so temperate climates are ideal. But very high or low temperatures can stress the plant and cause it to bloom inconsistently. So try not to take the temperature below 10°C (50°F) or above 32°C (90°F) when operating your batteries.
The optimum humidity level for Queen of Night plant is 50-60%. It likes the humidity, so it helps to mist it often or place it near a humidifier if it’s indoors, especially if the air is dry or you have air conditioning. A balanced humidity provides good development and strong flowering.
Potting and Repotting
Choosing the right container and pots stimulates Queen of the Night growth. Over-pot and use housing pots that are very well draining (other words and terms would be a lot of holes). This prevents water puddling and root rot. Clay pots are a good choice. They release extra moisture to evaporate, which means soil remains at the perfect condition for the plant.
It’s critical to pick an appropriately sized pot. A pot should be large enough to accommodate the roots. Roots of adequate size will not fit into too small a pot. This may lead to fewer blooms and slow development. But a pot that is too big can hold too much soil, and too much soil can hold too much moisture and keep the roots too wet — you do not want wet roots for a cactus.
Queen of the Night cactus is also repotted every 2 years. It helps reduce soil loss, provides the roots with more room to grow, drips more moisture into the soil. A little more room at repot time. This provides the necessary room for roots. For it to thrive and produce beautiful flowers, it needs proper care.
Planting
Plant it carefully. The plant’s spines can be painful to handle. And finally, you’ll want your cactus to be centered within the pot. Cover it, you don’t have to go very deep, just take the roots. Then lightly pat in some soil around the plant, which will keep your cactus stable.
Benefits of Queen of the Night
Following are some of the key benefits of the Queen of Night flower:
Appealing to the Eyes
This plantʼs flowers really set it apart from other plants. The blooms of the night-blooming flowers are fragrant, and they bloom only at night. Those big, bright flowers look as if they’re spreading happiness like butter — and certainly do turn any yard or indoor hothouse into one, too. This plant is also renowned for its beauty and the fantastic feel it brings to the environment.
Air Purification
Certain houseplants are purported to purify the air (like Queen of the Night). This plant is said to improve air quality in your home by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. A cleaner environment from a cleaner space.
Low Maintenance
The Queen of the Night is easy to care for, so even busy or inexperienced gardeners should have little trouble with it. It grows well under many conditions and doesn’t need to be watered frequently, making it ideal for adding greenery inside a home with minimum maintenance.
Edible Fruit
Some species of Queen of the Night are edible. Some examples are Dragon Fruit cactus or Selenicereus undatus. It's safe to say that fruits are more than just a tasty snack – they're quite possibly the healthiest food you could eat. It is one more reason to grow the plant. Also, gardeners can enjoy the beautiful flowers and have a taste of fresh and delicious fruit.
Symbolic Meaning
The Queen of the Night is a symbol of beauty and love in many cultures. This plant embodies the character of the night and the beauty that is aroused in the absence of the sun. This cactus is undoubtedly a real beauty and an eye catcher for any home, patio, or garden.
How to Propagate Queen of the Night Flower
To reproduce the Queen Of The Night plant, select a healthy stem. Locate an approximately four to six-inch-long, healthy stem. The safest, easiest tool is a sharp pair of scissors or a knife; remove the stem by cutting the base at the end it’s connected to the flower base for a clean cut.
Once cut, let the stem dry out in a dark spot somewhere for several days. This cuts the end and allows it to form a callus, so it doesn’t rot once you plant it. As its stem dries, find a small pot that has drainage holes and fill it with a fast-draining, cactus or succulent potting mix. You can mix in some perlite or sand to assist with drainage.
Once your stem is prepared, put it inside the soil with 1-2 inches deep. Tap the soil around the stem to support it upright. Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting, then barely water the soil thereafter, waiting until the soil feels dry before watering. Too much water will cause the stem to rot.
Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight. The new cutting remains tender at first — keep it in the shade before direct sunlight. Cutting should root in a few weeks. You can sometimes feel by tugging gently on that stem, where it resists, there is rooting.
After the cutting has rooted, continue to keep it watered sparingly and in strong, indirect light. When it's a little bigger, you can give it more direct sunlight exposure. Following the mentioned steps, you can propagate the Queen of the Night flower to enjoy its beautiful night-dwelling flowers.
Tips and Tricks for Thriving Epiphyllum Oxypetalum
Here are the top tips to keep in mind for the successful growth of this plant:
Pruning and Trimming
The Queen of the Night cactus has to be pruned. Pruning back dead or damaged stems is beneficial to the plant. It is he very best aid to promote the plant to grow even better than it already is. Routine pruning makes the plant have a nice appearance and more flowers. A little clipping will help your flowers look better and grow more robustly.
Trimming the Queen of the Night preserves its good image. Remove any dead or damaged stems. This will help the plant put out new growth and allow good airflow around the plant. For this, use a sharp, clean pair of scissors. That way, it won't hurt the cactus, and it cuts down on the chances of a nasty infection.
Fertilizing the Plant with the Right Nutrients
This plant should be fertilized with a well-balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Thoroughly water or dilute (make 1/2 strength) with a mixture of water, and this is good to go. This can be done every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. She adds that the fertilizer provides important nutrients. These nutrients help the cactus to grow and produce many gorgeous flowers. Make sure you also don’t over-fertilize them, as this could be too much for the plant.
Check on Humidity Levels
The Queen of the Night cactus grows best in dry places. However, a small amount of humidity can be beneficial, particularly while the plant grows. Plant keepers can create a warm, humid space by arranging plants together or placing a small humidifier nearby. It is important to keep air moving to prevent mold from forming.
Pest Control
Check the cactus regularly for pests. Common pests infesting this plant include mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Treat the plant as soon as you spot a pest with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Good air circulation around the cactus is a deterrent to pest issues.
Adjustments According to the Season
As the seasons have turned, so has attention to the Queen of the Night flower. The watering of the cactus can be reduced in the winter, but no fertilization is necessary at this time. This chill period is really crucial for the plant. If you take the cactus outside in warm months, do so gradually. This helps the cactus acclimate to the new light and avoid burning.
Common Challenges and Solutions for Plant Care
It is not easy to achieve successful growth on this kind of plant:
Do not overwater, as this is the cause of rotting roots. Proper drainage would avoid this problem, and watering should only be done when it’s really necessary. If the leaves turn yellow or the stem becomes mushy or soft, overwatering is likely.
Another cause for slow growth and a lack of flowers is low light. This plant needs to be kept in a position that is well-lit, although not directly in the light of the sun. If the plant seems to be leaning towards the light, owners need to turn the plant every so often to encourage symmetrical growth.
FAQs
How often does the Queen of the Night bloom?
Queen of the Night flowers only once a year in summer. With careful attention and good conditions, you'll see more blooms throughout the year.
Can the Queen of the Night be grown indoors?
In the right bright, indirect light and with some humidity, the Queen of the Night can be happy indoors. A sunny windowsill or bright corner is ideal for maintaining this plant in good health and good spirits.
What should plant owners do with the plant after it blooms?
Deadhead flowers when blooms are spent, and that will allow the plant to rejuvenate. Watering and fertilizing should be reduced during this rest period as the plant prepares itself for another set of beautiful blooms.
The Bottom Line
Queen of the Night is not just a plant; it is an experience. Nature's miracle, from its natural glory that briefly appears in bloom. The specific gardener is going to want to know all about what his Amnesia plant needs - how the gardener can make it so that this plant can fill the area in which it is placed.
Visit Growcycle if you want to add a Queen of the Night plant to your indoor jungle. This is one of the healthiest, most active plants on the platform. Gardeners might even find a perfect flower that never prompted them to go back into the dirt in any dimension that delivered the astonishing beauty of night flowers into the yard.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
About the Author
Victor Miller 
Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture
Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.
Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.
