How to Grow Epiphyllum Oxypetalum | Queen of the Night Care

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, also popular as the Queen of the Night, is a stunning flower to grow in the garden! Let’s have a look at the details.

 Epiphyllum oxypetalum enchants with its stunning white flowers that bloom only at night. Delicate and fragrant, it’s a captivating addition to any garden or plant collection. Want to glorify your garden with this beauty? Continue reading to learn how to do so.

Information on Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, commonly known as Queen of the Night or Night-blooming cereus, is a captivating cactus species. Its elongated, succulent stems bear flat segments with serrated edges.

During the late spring and summer, the plant produces large, fragrant, and stunning white flowers that bloom at night, with slender petals radiating from a central tube. It is often grown as a container plant indoors, where its nocturnal beauty can be admired. With its mesmerizing blooms and low maintenance needs, it is a cherished addition to any plant enthusiast’s collection.

Botanical Name: Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Common Names: Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus, Jungle Cactus, Lady of the Night, Night-blooming Cactus, Night-blooming Caereus, Orchid Cactus, Queen of the Night

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Propagation of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Propagation of Epiphyllum oxypetalum can be done through stem cuttings.

• Choose a mature stem from Epiphyllum oxypetalum that is at least a few inches long. The stem should be free from any diseases or damage.
• Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a segment or joint. The segment should be around 6-8 inches long. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days in a shaded and well-ventilated area. This helps to prevent rotting.
• Prepare a well-draining rooting medium. A mix of perlite, sand, and peat moss or a cactus potting mix can be suitable. Fill a small pot or container with the rooting medium.
• Once the Epiphyllum oxypetalum cutting has dried, plant it in the prepared potting mix. Insert the cut end of the cutting into the soil, burying it about 1-2 inches deep. Ensure the cutting is stable and upright.
• Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the cutting. Maintain a temperature around 21-24°C (70-75°F). It’s important to keep the humidity levels high to promote rooting. You can cover the pot with a plastic bag or use a mini-greenhouse to create a humid environment.
• Water the cutting sparingly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between watering. Additionally, overwatering can lead to rotting, so it’s crucial to strike a balance.
• Over time, the cutting will start to develop roots. This can take several weeks to a few months. Additionally, you can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance, indicating root growth.
• Once the cutting has developed a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot with well-draining cactus soil. Continue to provide proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, and occasional fertilization, to help the newly propagated plant establish and grow.

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Requirements to Grow Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Sunlight

Epiphyllum oxypetalum requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It is best to provide it with filtered or dappled sunlight, as direct sunlight can be too intense and potentially damage the plant. Place the plant in a location where it can receive several hours of indirect sunlight each day.

Soil

Epiphyllum oxypetalum thrives in well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape easily. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.

A recommended soil mix is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and garden soil. You can also go for  a well-draining cactus potting mix.

Watering

Proper watering is essential for the successful growth of Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Additionally, it’s important to strike a balance between keeping the soil moist and avoiding overwatering.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers slightly moist soil, but it should never be saturated. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot.

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Temperature

Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers in warm temperatures and is typically cultivated in tropical or subtropical regions. It prefers a temperature range between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C).

The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 10°C (50°F) for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause damage.

Humidity

Epiphyllum oxypetalum thrives in a moderately humid environment, ideally with humidity levels between 50% and 70%. In its native tropical rainforest habitat, the air is naturally moist.

To provide similar conditions, you can increase humidity by misting the foliage regularly, placing the plant on a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles, or using a room humidifier.

Taking Care of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Fertilizer

Epiphyllum oxypetalum benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to support healthy growth and promote blooming.

Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of around 10-10-10 or 10-20-20. Dilute it to 1/2 of its strength, and use it once in 6-8 weeks for the best results.

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Pruning

The process of pruning Epiphyllum oxypetalum helps maintain its shape, control its size, and promote a healthier plant overall. It is typically done during the dormant season or after flowering.

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems or segments, cutting them back to healthy tissue. You can also prune to shape the plant by selectively removing overgrown or wayward stems.

Pests and Diseases

Epiphyllum oxypetalum can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation, such as webs, sticky residue, or visible pests, and promptly treat affected areas with appropriate insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.

Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it’s important to maintain proper watering practices. Additionally, fungal diseases like powdery mildew and stem rot can occur in high humidity or when the plant is exposed to excessive moisture.

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