Source: Wikimedia Commons
Queen of the night
BeginnerEpiphyllum oxypetalum
An epiphytic cactus that opens huge pure white flowers up to 30 cm long at night from the edges of flat, leaf-like stems. They are strongly scented and wilt by morning.
About
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is an epiphytic cactus native from Mexico to Central America. From cylindrical main stems that become woody at the base it produces flat, leaf-like stems up to about 30 by 12 cm with shallowly wavy margins. In the wild the main stems can reach 6 m, but pot plants are usually 1-2 m tall. From summer to autumn (July-November) mature plants bear white flowers about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide along the edges of the flat stems; they open in the evening with a strong fragrance and wilt by morning. Flowers come in two or three flushes a season rather than continuously. It differs from the related day-flowering orchid cacti in blooming at night, and although it is sometimes called a night-blooming cereus, it is not closely related to those columnar cacti. The plants grown are the wild species itself rather than a bred cultivar, though a hybrid with E. pumilum, 'Mangetsu-bijin', exists. In Japan it is widely sold as a pot plant and is popular for its summer-night blooms.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Queen of the night
The Queen of the night grows to 1-2 m tall in pots; flowers about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Mexico to Central America
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
1-2 m tall in pots; flowers about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
Slow-release fertiliser April-September and liquid feed in October; high-nitrogen feeds suppress flower buds
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Keep it in a sunny room from November to April, and in full sun outdoors in May-June to set flower buds. From the end of the rainy season to mid-September move it to partial shade outdoors to avoid scorch, then give full sun again from mid-September to October.
Watering
From May to October water thoroughly when the surface dries. From November to April wait a few days after the surface dries and give a little, keeping it on the dry side.
Temperature & Overwintering
It is cold-tender, so bring it indoors before the first frost. Kept fairly dry it survives down to near 0°C.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix in a pot slightly small for the plant. Repot about every two years in May-September, removing old soil and damaged roots.
Propagation
Take cuttings in May-September, either sections of 2-3 joints or stems about 30 cm long, in clean, low-nutrient soil.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects occur year-round on stems, and their honeydew leads to sooty mould. Brush them off or use a registered product according to the label. Overwatering causes root rot and wrinkled, wilting stems.
Queen of the night FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Queen of the night?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Queen of the night get?
The mature size of Queen of the night is 1-2 m tall in pots; flowers about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Queen of the night?
Queen of the night: watering & fertilizer — Slow-release fertiliser April-September and liquid feed in October; high-nitrogen feeds suppress flower buds. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Queen of the night?
The price of Queen of the night varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw.
Synonyms: Cereus oxypetalus DC., Cactus oxypetalus Moc. & Sessé ex DC., Cereus latifrons Zucc., Epiphyllum acuminatum K.Schum.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II as part of Cactaceae spp. International trade requires permits; no registration is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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