The Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is such a unique cactus that it even needs to have moist soil. Most of them are grown in humid climates, so the soil cannot be completely dried, otherwise, the plant will die. This plant prefers slightly acidic soil.

Watering Needs

This plant needs water to survive! Do not allow the soil to become entirely dried, otherwise, the plant’s roots won’t develop. Also, the flower must have well-drained soil. This way, the roots won’t rot either.

Depending on the location, you should water this plant every week during summer, especially if the weather is dry and hot.

It would be best if watering occurs every 2 to 3 weeks during winter, but again, it will depend on your location.

Another thing to be aware of is that if the plants are young, then they will need more water. On the contrary, if the plants are mature, they won’t need as much water.

Blooms

Most people who own a queen of the night plant have only seen the plant bloom once. Some individuals are not lucky and have not seen it at all! This flower releases a sweet scent that catches everyone’s attention, as it smells nice.

This white flower resembles a spider. It is very delicate looking, and this makes it even more interesting, considering it’s a cactus. Blooming tends to occur during the summer rains, as this plant needs the ideal climate conditions to show itself fully to the outer world.

Pests

This flower tends to have fungal leaf spots. This tends to happen during spring when the weather is still chilly, and rains are often just around the corner. If only a few spots are found, then try cutting that affected area.

These are some common questions about the Epiphyllum plant.

When will the queen of the night flower bloom?

This plant tends to bloom during the night, starting at 8 PM, and it will continue to do so until 10 AM. However, the flower will only bloom throughout those hours and then it will die. This is the only flower that will bloom as it is the only flower the cactus has!

Can you plant the queen of the nights in containers?

Yes, you can. They look great when found in containers or hanging baskets. Moreover, you can even make them form a trellis around a specific area.

How do you propagate the queen of the night flower?

The easiest way to achieve this is by leaf cutting. Just cut a few mature leaves—the ones that seem the oldest—and place them in a cool but dry space. Allow them to dry for a couple of days until you see they have formed calluses.

These calluses are a good sign, as they will protect the plant from rotting. Get the soil and place it inside a container. Make sure there are drain holes, otherwise, all of the water will stagnate inside.

Put the cuttings—with the side you cut—in the soil. Place it in a bright area but avoid direct sunlight.

Water every week, and do not let the soil dry. Eventually, these cuttings will start forming new roots, which will, in turn, become new plants. As soon as you see a small change in the plant, you should place it in a brighter area, so it can receive more indirect sunlight.

Is the queen of the night an indoor or an outdoor plant?

It can be both! It depends on the available space, the cultivar’s commitment to the plant, and the climate. If you provide the right growing conditions, then the plant will answer back by blooming, and this could happen outdoors or indoors.

Is queen of the night a toxic plant?

No, it isn’t. In fact, this flower has been used as part of rituals by numerous tribes around the world.

Conclusion

Although to some gardeners queen of the night flower may seem like a difficult plant, the reality is that, if you want to be one of the few lucky individuals to see the flower, then you need to put in the effort and take care of it.

But it will be worth it! The beautiful Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant is known for giving amazing shows to those who wait for her to appear!

Sources: https://florgeous.com/

https://www.picturethisai.com/es/care/Peniocereus_greggii.html