queen of the night cactus

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical cactus admired for its enormous, luminous white flowers that open for a single night and wither by dawn—earning it the poetic name “Queen of the Night.” Native to the rainforests of Central America, this epiphyte grows on tree trunks in the understory, sending out flattened, succulent stems that drape elegantly. Although primarily grown as a houseplant or conservatory specimen in temperate zones, it flourishes in warm climates with indirect light and well-aerated, humus-rich soils.

Blooms are rare but unforgettable, and mature plants may produce several in one season. The flowers are intensely fragrant, relying on nocturnal pollinators like hawkmoths and bats. In cultivation, plants can be encouraged to bloom with bright, filtered light and a dry rest period during winter.