Queen of the Night- Flowering Orchid Cactus

These beautiful flowers are from the Orchid Cactus, genus Epiphyllum. There are over 200 varieties of this plant. The white one shown here is the species Oxypetalum, with blooms a white/near white color. The magenta flowering plant is the variety Miss Escondido. This variety blooms in the late spring.

These night-blooming plants are members of the cactus family and they have sparse twiggy stems about 1/2 inch in diameter. They can reach a height of 8-10 feet and are hardy outside in areas that don't get winter temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In cold climates it can be grown indoors. Sun exposure should include partial shade.

The plants produce very fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers up to 9 inches across.

The flowers bloom after sunset and in most varieties the bloom dies with the morning light. The magenta 'Miss Escondido' variety has blooms that last for 2 days. The bloom period is from mid-spring to early fall for the Oxypetalum species, and during late spring/early summer for the variety 'Miss Escondido'.

Plant in cactus mix and water once a week, but be sure not to overwater. Fertilize in the spring and early summer.

These plants are easy to grow and do well indoors in a well-lighted window. They grow big and leggy, so you do need some room. Once you see them flower, you will forget about how homely the plant looks the rest of the year!

If you love beautiful, fragrant flowers, I hope you will try growing an Epiphyllum. We were so happy the first time our plant bloomed, we had a night-blooming Orchid party!