Queen of the night

Queen of the night key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

1-2 m tall in pots; flowers about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide

Watering

Slow-release fertiliser April-September and liquid feed in October; high-nitrogen feeds suppress flower buds

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.

About Queen of the night

Queen of the night is an epiphytic cactus with 30 cm pure white flowers that open at night and fade by morning. Beginner-friendly, it grows 1 to 2 m tall in a pot. Care tips included.

7 things to know before growing Queen of the night

1. 1Bright, part-shade spot

   Strong direct sun can scorch the flat stems, so in summer a bright, part-shaded spot or light filtered through a sheer curtain suits it best. In a place that is too dark the stems get leggy and flowering tends to suffer, so make sure it still gets plenty of light.

2. 2Water when dry

   From spring to autumn, water thoroughly once the soil surface has dried, and empty any water left in the saucer. It is an epiphytic cactus that likes more moisture than desert cacti, so avoid letting it dry out completely. In winter, water less often and keep the soil on the dry side.

3. 3Well-draining soil

   Choose a mix that drains and breathes well while holding a moderate amount of organic matter. A commercial cactus and succulent mix with a little leaf mold blended in works nicely. Use a pot with drainage holes to help prevent root rot.

4. 4Repotting and support

   When the roots fill the pot, repot into one size larger in spring or early summer once it has warmed up. Since it grows about 1 to 2 m tall in a pot, pick a stable pot that will not tip over, and add a stake as the stems lengthen.

5. 5Bring it indoors for winter

   It dislikes cold, so once temperatures start to drop in autumn, move it from outdoors to a bright place indoors. In winter, water sparingly, keep it away from cold windowsills, and aim to keep it at 5 degrees Celsius or above.

6. 6Don't move it once budded

   Once buds form, try not to turn the pot or move it, which helps keep the buds from dropping. The flowers open at night and wilt by the next morning, so start checking on the plant in the evening to catch the big night.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for firm stems with a deep green color and no dark spots or soft, mushy areas. Also check the stem edges and bases for pests such as scale insects. Size and condition vary from listing to listing, so review the photos and description, and ask the grower if anything is unclear.

Frequently asked questions about Queen of the night

Q.Can a beginner grow it?

A.Yes, it is rated beginner-friendly. If you provide a bright spot, well-draining soil and indoor protection in winter, this perennial is easy to grow.

Q.What are the flowers like?

A.They are pure white and huge, about 30 cm long and 17 cm wide, opening at night with a strong fragrance. Because they fade by the next morning, keep an eye on the buds so you are ready for the night they open.

Q.How big does it get?

A.In a pot it grows to about 1 to 2 m tall. Stems that get too long can be cut back to shape the plant, so you can train it to fit your space.

Q.Can I propagate it from cuttings?

A.Yes, you can propagate it by cutting off a piece of stem. It is common to let the cut end dry for a few days before setting it in well-draining soil.

Q.Why isn't my plant flowering?

A.Common reasons are too little light, weakness from winter cold or overwatering, or simply a plant that is still young. Start by moving it to a brighter spot, and in winter water less and keep it out of the cold.

Handy Growing Tools for Queen of the night

Learn more about Queen of the night in the encyclopedia

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