What is Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is an epiphytic cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae. Unlike desert cacti, it grows naturally in the humid tropical forests of Central America — clinging to trees in the shade of the forest canopy, in an aerial substrate rich in organic matter. This origin explains its very specific needs: partial shade, moderate humidity and a rich but free-draining substrate.

Its flattened, scalloped stems, of a deep green colour, can reach 1.2 to 1.8 m in height under favourable conditions. As the plant matures, the oldest stems gradually lignify at their base — a sign of good health and maturity.

Why is it called the "Queen of the Night"?

Its nickname — Queen of the Night or Princess of the Night — comes from its unique floral behaviour: its large white flowers open only at nightfall, release an intense and haunting fragrance, and close permanently with the first light of morning. Each flower lives for just a few hours. This ephemeral nocturnal spectacle — grandiose and perfumed — is one of the most memorable botanical experiences any gardener can witness.

Its many other names — Night-blooming cereus, Dutchman's pipe cactus, Berceau de Moïse or Belle de nuit in French — reflect how deeply this plant has fascinated botanists and gardeners around the world for centuries.

How to grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum indoors or in a greenhouse?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is best grown as an indoor or conservatory plant in temperate regions. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C and must be kept frost-free at all times. Here are its key requirements:

• Light: partial shade — bright but indirect light. An east- or north-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which scorches the stems.
• Substrate: light, free-draining compost enriched with organic matter. A mix of cactus compost and general-purpose compost in equal parts, with 20% perlite, gives excellent results.
• Pot: choose a modestly sized pot — Epiphyllum flowers best when its roots are slightly pot-bound. A terracotta pot promotes drainage.
• Temperature: ideally between 15 and 25°C year-round. A slight temperature drop in winter (10–15°C) encourages floral initiation the following spring.

What are the ideal conditions for its night-blooming flowers?

Flowering in Epiphyllum oxypetalum is the result of a full year of attentive cultivation. Several factors encourage it:

• A moderate winter rest: reduce watering in winter (once every 2–3 weeks) and lower the temperature slightly if possible. This gentle stress triggers floral initiation.
• A gradual spring resumption: progressively increase watering and begin regular fertilising from March or April onwards.
• A potassium-rich fertiliser: during the growing season (April to September), use a flowering plant fertiliser with a high potassium (K) content — this encourages flower bud formation.
• Indirect bright light: paradoxically, a position that is too dark will never produce flowers. Bright indirect light is essential for flowering.

Flowering generally occurs from late spring through to autumn, often in several successive waves. Each bud takes several weeks to develop before opening, and its nocturnal opening is heralded by an increasingly intense fragrance in the hours before it unfurls.

How to care for your Epiphyllum oxypetalum year-round?

Watering: water moderately but regularly in spring and summer — when the top centimetre of substrate feels dry. Reduce progressively in autumn. In winter, water very sparingly (once every 2 to 3 weeks). Overwatering is the primary cause of failure: roots rot quickly in waterlogged substrate.

Feeding: from April to September, apply a liquid flowering plant fertiliser every 2 weeks. Stop all feeding completely in autumn and winter.

Repotting: every 2 to 3 years in spring, into a slightly larger pot. Take the opportunity to renew the substrate. Epiphyllum dislikes being repotted too frequently — wait until the roots emerge from the drainage holes.

Pruning: remove damaged or overly long stems after flowering. New growth appears the following spring.

How to propagate and maintain this epiphytic plant?

Propagation of Epiphyllum oxypetalum is mainly achieved by stem cuttings:

• Cut a healthy stem section of approximately 10–15 cm in summer.
• Leave the cut end to dry in open air for 24 to 48 hours — this is essential to prevent rot.
• Plant the cutting in a lightly moist substrate (sand/compost mix).
• Place in partial shade without watering for 2 weeks, then water very lightly.
• Rooting takes place within 4 to 8 weeks.

For more detailed propagation advice, see our complete guide to taking cuttings.

Where to find rare varieties of Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum remains a rare plant, seldom found in mainstream garden centres. At Fuchsia Delhommeau, we grow it in our Loire-Atlantique greenhouses and ship it directly from our nursery, carefully packaged to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

If you enjoy collection plants with spectacular flowering, discover also our collection begonias, our rare oxalis and our other botanical curiosities.