The Queen of the Night plant (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is an epiphytic cactus known for its magnificent, nocturnal blooms. Native to Central and South America, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often growing on trees or rocks. Its common name refers to its striking white, fragrant flowers that unfurl after sunset and wilt by dawn.
Essential Care for Queen of the Night
Light Needs
The Queen of the Night plant flourishes in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural environment beneath a forest canopy. Placing it near an east or north-facing window indoors is ideal, as direct, intense sunlight can scorch its broad, flat stems. Too much sun causes burnt or bleached areas, while insufficient light leads to faded or yellowing foliage and inhibits flowering.
Watering Practices
Consistent watering is important for the Queen of the Night, as it is more thirsty than many desert cacti. During its active growing season (spring and summer), keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allowing the top inch or two to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing yellowing leaves or a mushy base. Underwatering can cause stems to shrivel or droop. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter during slower growth.
Ideal Soil Mix
Provide a well-draining, airy soil mix to support the Queen of the Night’s epiphytic nature. A blend for cacti and succulents, enriched with organic matter, works well. A successful mix often includes perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss for good drainage and aeration. This prevents water from sitting around the roots, which is harmful.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical cactus prefers temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C) and is not tolerant of frost. If grown outdoors in cooler climates, bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F. The Queen of the Night also appreciates moderate to high humidity, reflecting its rainforest origins. In dry indoor environments, increasing humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier can benefit the plant.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and encourages flowering. During the active growing season (spring through fall), apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, especially when encouraging blooms, as excess nitrogen promotes leafy growth over flowers. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Encouraging Blooms
Encouraging the Queen of the Night to bloom requires specific environmental cues. A significant factor is providing a dormancy period in late fall or winter. During this time, reducing watering and exposing the plant to cooler temperatures (50-55°F / 10-13°C) for 6-8 weeks can stimulate flower bud development.
The right light conditions are also important. The plant needs bright, indirect light for several hours daily. Ensuring it experiences longer nights without artificial light during its rest period can help trigger flowering. Most plants need to be at least 2-3 years old before blooming regularly.
Once buds appear, avoid moving the plant, as sudden environmental changes can cause buds to drop. Fertilizing with a phosphorus-rich or bloom-boosting fertilizer during the growing season can further support flower production.
Propagating Queen of the Night
Propagating the Queen of the Night is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem segment about 4-6 inches long, ideally after blooming in late spring or early summer. Use clean, sharp shears.
Allow the cutting to “callus” or dry out for several days in a cool, dark place. This prevents rot once planted. Once callused, insert the bottom third into a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite and peat or a cactus soil mix.
Keep the medium slightly moist but not soggy, and place the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light. High humidity can aid rooting. Roots typically form within a few weeks, and new growth indicates successful establishment.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often signal an issue with watering or nutrient availability. Overwatering, leading to root rot, is a frequent cause, as waterlogged roots cannot absorb oxygen and nutrients. Severe underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and shrivel. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly lacking nitrogen, phosphorus, or iron, can also result in yellowing foliage. Ensure proper drainage and a balanced fertilization schedule.
Lack of Blooms
If a mature Queen of the Night plant is not blooming, it may be due to a lack of a proper dormancy period, insufficient light, or inappropriate fertilization. Re-evaluate winter care to include cooler temperatures and reduced watering to encourage flower bud formation. Ensure the plant receives adequate bright, indirect light and is fertilized with a phosphorus-rich formula during the growing season. Young or recently repotted plants may also take a few years to mature enough to bloom.
Shriveled or Drooping Stems
Shriveled or drooping stems can indicate underwatering, depleting the plant’s water-storing tissues. They can also be a symptom of root rot from overwatering, as damaged roots fail to absorb water, leading to dehydration. Extreme temperatures or low humidity can exacerbate these issues. Check soil moisture, adjust watering, ensure good drainage, and maintain appropriate environmental conditions for healthy stems.
Pests
Queen of the Night can be susceptible to common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests feed on plant sap, leading to weakened growth, yellowing, or distorted foliage. Regular inspection, particularly the undersides of stems, helps in early detection. Organic treatments, such as wiping affected areas with rubbing alcohol or applying neem oil, can manage infestations.
Bud Drop
Flower buds dropping prematurely is often caused by environmental stress. Abrupt changes in temperature, light intensity, or humidity can shock the plant and lead to bud abortion. Overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies can also contribute to bud drop by stressing the plant. Once buds form, avoid moving the plant and maintain consistent care for full development.