Queen of the Night
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Queen of the Night is a rare, night-blooming cactus celebrated for its large, ethereally fragrant white flowers that open only after dark and wilt before dawn, making each bloom a fleeting, magical event.
Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Summer (June–September); each individual flower blooms for a single night only
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: erythroniums and gardenias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Queen of the Night holds a near-mythical status in many cultures due to its single-night bloom. In South and Southeast Asia, especially in India and Sri Lanka, the blooming of this flower is treated as a rare household celebration, with families gathering to witness and photograph it. It is widely regarded as a symbol of fleeting beauty and the preciousness of impermanent moments, echoing Buddhist and Hindu themes of impermanence. In Latin America, it carries associations with mystery and the sacred feminine.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade; avoid harsh direct midday sun
Water
Moderate; water thoroughly during growing season and reduce in winter; avoid waterlogged soil
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5), Rich in organic matter
Expert Growing Tips
Provide a well-draining cactus or epiphyte mix with added perlite
Water deeply but allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings
Feed with a low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the growing season to encourage blooming
Keep in a slightly pot-bound container — crowded roots tend to trigger flowering
Move outdoors in summer to a sheltered, bright spot to promote bud formation
Reduce watering significantly in winter to induce dormancy and stimulate next season's blooms
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Statement houseplant or patio container specimen
- Hanging baskets to display trailing stems
- Trellis or wall climber in tropical gardens
- Night garden focal point
- Conservatory or greenhouse display
Traditional Uses
- Used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia and Latin America for heart conditions and respiratory ailments
- Flowers are used in herbal preparations believed to help regulate blood pressure in folk remedies
- Note: consult a healthcare professional before any medicinal use
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Queen of the Night
Why does Queen of the Night only bloom at night?
Queen of the Night evolved to bloom at night to attract nocturnal pollinators such as moths and bats. Its powerful fragrance and white flowers are specifically adapted to be visible and appealing in low light.
How often does Queen of the Night bloom?
Each individual flower blooms only once and lasts a single night — typically opening after dark and wilting before sunrise. A healthy plant may produce multiple blooms per season, but each is a one-night event.
How do I get my Queen of the Night to bloom?
To encourage blooming, keep the plant slightly root-bound, reduce watering in winter to simulate a dry season, and move it outdoors in summer to brighter conditions. A phosphorus-rich fertilizer during the growing season also helps trigger flower buds.
What does the Queen of the Night flower symbolize?
The Queen of the Night symbolizes rare and fleeting beauty, mystery, and transience. Its single-night bloom makes it a powerful metaphor for cherishing precious, impermanent moments.
Is Queen of the Night the same as Night-Blooming Cereus?
The name "Night-Blooming Cereus" is used for several night-blooming cacti, and Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is one of the most commonly grown species under that name — though they are botanically distinct plants.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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