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Photo by Avant Gardens

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Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Also Known As

Epiphyllum 'Queen of the Night'
Night Blooming Cereus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 4'-12'
W: 2'-12'

planting zones

10a-12

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Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant details

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae, epiphyllum
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 12 FT - wide, 4 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, fragrant, houseplant, showy, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Epiphyllum oxypetalum

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pure white flowers, the size of a dinner plate, open as soon as the sun goes down and stay open all night, then close in the morning. This wondrous sight is also a heady experience because of the intoxicating fragrance. It blooms in waves during the summer months, with sometimes as many as 15 flowers open at once. Nature's ability to manifest such a magnificent creation leaves us in awe of this wonderful epiphyllum. As for all members of the Orchid Cactus family, a period of dryness and cool nighttime temperatures in the winter ensures summer bloom.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Amazingly fragrant, 6-8" white flowers open in the evening and last until the early morning hours are born in summer on this interesting epiphytic tropical cactus. May be at there best when grown in hanging baskets where the flat arching stems and hanging flowers are held at eye and nose level. Also known as Queen of the Night and its fragrance explains why! Epiphyllums are one of the few true jungle Cacti where they are often found growing with the orchids and bromeliads far removed from the forest floor. The flowers are only open for a short time at night and are typically pollinated by bats and large moths. If pollinated the flowers can mature into deliciously edible fruit.

By: Almost Eden

An Epiphytic Cactus, Night Blooming Cereus (a.k.a Queen of the Night) has large flat fleshy foliage and in summer, 6-8" exotic white flowers which scent the evening air. The flowers open after dark and last only 'til morning, after which they collapse and fall. Be sure to watch the buds develop daily so you can catch the show. Be aware that as lovely as the blossoms are, the plants themselves have a rather awkward habit.

By: Avant Gardens

Garden photo gallery of Epiphyllum oxypetalum

By: Avant Gardens

By: Kara Nursery

By: Kara Nursery

By: Almost Eden

Gardening facts about Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant

How to Grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Sun Exposure
- mostly sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant