Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Orchid Cactus 'Queen of the night'

Epiphyllum (orchid cacti) are east to grow houseplants. They produce large flowers, which are usually fragrant. Height and spread Up to 3m by 1m. They are epiphytic and often grown in hanging baskets to accommodate their long trailing stems, but can be grown in containers. Hardy to about 10°C, but require at least 15°C during the growing season. 'Moon Flower' is a fast growing plant which can produce many fragrant, plate-size flowers as it ages. Sometimes called ‘Queen of the night’ because that is when its spectacular flowers open. A poular and easy to grow plant.

Contributed by @KathyB

plant Features

Full sun to partial shade
Very little water
Not Frost hardy
Light and free draining

plant information

Common name

Orchid Cactus 'Queen of the night'

Latin name

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

type

Succulent

family

Cactaceae

ph

5.5 - 6.5 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun to partial shade
Frost

Not Frost hardy

Soil

Light and free draining
Water

Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Orchid Cactus Queen of the night is 1.00meters x 0.70meters

1.00 M 0.70 M

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Planting young plants

From Early Summer TO Late Summer

Epiphyllum typically don't like direct afternoon sunlight and should be in partial shade through the hottest hours. They can take direct sunlight in the morning and afternoons. A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal. To plant, do this preferably during the warm season. To repot a cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.

Propagation

From Late Spring TO Late Spring

Epiphyllum are propagated from stem cuttings taken in late spring after flowering. Most cuttings require time to dry and produce a callus on the wound, this can take from a week to a day depending on size and type. Use John Innes No 1 with up to 30 percent by volume of added grit and keep the compost on the dry side to prevent the cutting rotting off. Always check what your individual specimen will require.

Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection