Epiphyllum oxypetalum

RHS Plant Profile

queen of the night

Houseplants Cactus Succulent

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An erect, branching, epiphytic cactus to 2m, with cylindrical stems and flat, spineless, leaf-like branches to 40cm long. In late spring and early summer it produces huge, very fragrant, waterlily-like flowers to 25cm across; these open at dusk and close again in the morning

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Trailing
Genus: Epiphyllum are a genus of around 20 species of epiphytic cacti. Their rounded stems produce succulent leaf-like branches with funnel-shaped nocturnal flowers.
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Guatemala & Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered or indirect light with moderate humidity. In growth, water freely and apply a high potash fertiliser 3 or 4 times; keep just moist for 6 weeks after flowering to allow a rest period. See epiphyllum cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring; take stem cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Sub-tropical
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free