Epiphyllum oxypetalum

The Queen of the Night, also known as the Night-blooming Cereus or the Dutchman's Pipe Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), is a stunning plant species that has captivated gardeners and plant enthusiasts for centuries. It is a species of epiphytic cactus that is native to the tropical forests of Mexico, but is widely cultivated all over the world for its beauty and unique traits.

Flowers

The flowers grow on flattened stems and are up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 17 cm (7 in) wide, nocturnal, and very fragrant. The principal odor components in the aroma are benzyl salicylate and methyl linoleate. Pericarpels are nude, slightly angled, and green. Bracteoles are short and narrow up through ca. 10 millimeters (1.0 cm) long. Receptacles are up through 20 cm long, 1 cm thick, brownish, and arching. The outer tepals are linear, acute, 8–10 cm long, and reddish through amber. The inner tepals are whitish, oblanceolate or oblong, acuminate, up through 8–10 cm long and 2.5 centimeters (25 mm) wide. The stamens are greenish white or white, slender and weak. The styles are greenish white, pale yellow, or white, 4 mm thick, as long as inner tepals, and with many lobes.

The fruits are oblong, up through 12 x 8 cm, purplish red, and angled.

One of the most distinctive features of the Queen of the Night is its large and fragrant flowers, which are usually white or light pink in color and bloom only once a year, usually in the late evening or early morning. These blooms can grow up to a foot in length and emit a sweet fragrance that can fill an entire room. The blooms are also very short-lived, lasting only a single night, which is why they are often referred to as the "Queen of the Night".

The Queen of the Night is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. It needs to be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a location that provides bright, indirect light. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.

In addition to its beauty, the Queen of the Night has cultural significance in many parts of the world. In Mexico, it is often associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations and is used as a symbol of life and death. In Hindu culture, it is considered to be a symbol of love and is often given as a gift between lovers.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, the Queen of the Night is a beautiful and exotic species that is sure to captivate and amaze you. With its stunning blooms and cultural significance, it's no wonder why it is widely regarded as the "Queen of the Night". So why not consider adding this unique and beautiful plant to your collection today?

Queen of the Night, also known as the Night-blooming Cereus, is a species of cactus native to Central and South America. It is an attractive, slow-growing cactus with large, fragrant white blooms that only open at night, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening.

Cultivation:

Queen of the Night thrives in warm, well-drained soil and requires a lot of sunlight to grow properly. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and to allow it to dry completely between watering. Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced cactus fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.

When grown outdoors, the Queen of the Night should be planted in a sunny location that is protected from strong winds. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a sunny window, but protected from direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day. The plant is also sensitive to changes in temperature and should be protected from sudden changes in temperature.

Uses:

Queen of the Night is not only an attractive plant but also has several practical uses. The plant has a long history of medicinal uses, and its stem is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches and insomnia.

In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant's fragrant blooms can be used to make perfumes and other fragrant products, and the stems of the plant can be used in landscaping and floral arrangements.

Conclusion:

Queen of the Night is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden or home. With its attractive blooms and numerous practical uses, it is a great choice for anyone looking to cultivate a unique and fascinating plant.