The “Reina de la Noche,” or Queen of the Night, captivates with its ephemeral beauty and intoxicating fragrance. This plant fascinates gardeners due to its unique nocturnal blooming habit. Its allure lies in the brief, spectacular display of fragrant flowers that unfurl only after dusk.
The Allure of the Night Bloom
The phenomenon of night blooming is a remarkable plant adaptation. “Reina de la Noche” flowers typically open in the evening, displaying their full splendor for only a few hours before wilting by morning. This short-lived display focuses the plant’s energy into a precise window for reproduction.
The intense, sweet fragrance released during these nocturnal hours attracts specific nocturnal pollinators, such as moths and bats. By concentrating their allure to the night, these plants avoid competition with daytime pollinators. The bloom’s fleeting nature adds to its mystique, transforming a garden into a sensory spectacle.
Understanding the Different “Reina de la Noche” Plants
The common name “Reina de la Noche” refers to several distinct plant species, which can lead to confusion.
Cestrum nocturnum, or Night-Blooming Jasmine, is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and clusters of small, tubular, creamy-white or greenish flowers. It is prized for its strong, sweet, musky fragrance, most noticeable at night.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Night-blooming Cereus, is an epiphytic cactus with long, flat, leaf-like stems. It produces very large, showy white flowers up to 12 inches long, which are intensely fragrant and open only at night, typically once a year.
Selenicereus grandiflorus is another cactus species called Queen of the Night or Night-blooming Cereus. This large-flowered cactus has thick, climbing stems and impressive white or yellow blooms up to 11 inches in diameter. Like Epiphyllum oxypetalum, its flowers open at night and are highly fragrant.
Cultivating Your Night Queen
Cultivating “Reina de la Noche” requires understanding the specific needs of the plant you choose, with Cestrum nocturnum being a widely cultivated fragrant shrub. Proper care in terms of light, water, soil, and temperature is essential for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Light Needs
Cestrum nocturnum thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Too much shade can reduce bloom production. Indoors, a south or west-facing window provides bright, indirect light. Cactus varieties like Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Selenicereus grandiflorus prefer bright, indirect light, as direct sun can scorch their stems.
Watering
Cestrum nocturnum requires frequent watering, especially when establishing. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water a few times a week, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. In contrast, Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Selenicereus grandiflorus prefer thorough watering, but allow the soil to dry out completely between applications, reducing frequency in winter.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter is ideal for Cestrum nocturnum. A sandy loam mix with added compost works well, ensuring good aeration. For fertilization, apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) monthly during the establishment phase. Mature plants benefit from an annual feeding in early spring to encourage healthy blooms.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Cestrum nocturnum flourishes in warm temperatures and high humidity. It prefers temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27°C) and is sensitive to frost. In colder climates, grow it in containers that can be moved indoors when temperatures drop below 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4°C). Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Selenicereus grandiflorus also prefer warm conditions, between 50-85°F (10-29°C), and are not frost-tolerant, requiring cold protection.
Propagation and Common Concerns
Propagating Cestrum nocturnum is readily achieved through stem cuttings. Healthy, non-flowering stem sections, 4-6 inches long, taken in spring or early summer, root well in moist, well-draining potting mix or water. Removing lower leaves and using rooting hormone can enhance success. Cactus types propagate via stem cuttings or seeds from their berry-like fruits.
Common concerns for Cestrum nocturnum include pest infestations and blooming issues. Aphids and caterpillars are frequent pests, managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf spot disease can occur in wet, humid conditions, preventable with fungicides. Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight, inadequate watering, or nutrient deficiencies, requiring care adjustments.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The “Reina de la Noche” holds cultural and historical significance across various regions. Its nocturnal blooming and powerful fragrance have inspired folklore and symbolism for centuries. In some cultures, its fleeting beauty represents renewal, transformation, and appreciation of the present moment.
In Aztec culture, it was considered a symbol of the moon goddess, with flowers believed to be divine gifts bringing good omens. In India, a similar night-blooming plant, Brahma Kamal, is considered auspicious. The flower’s intense aroma has also led to its inclusion in perfumery, where its unique scent profile is valued. Its nature makes it a compelling subject in myths and traditions that speak to ephemeral beauty and spiritual awakening.