Queen of the Night

The Queen of the Night should be watered thoroughly when the soil is almost completely dry. Allow the water to fully drain, and do not let the plant sit in standing water. Lower the frequency of watering during the winter. Too much water can cause root and stem rot and other diseases.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers bright indirect sunlight. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window, far away from the hot midday sun. It grows best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 - 30 Celsius). Exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) can cause irreversible damage to the plant and leaves.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum does best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 - 30 Celsius). Avoid placing the plant near heaters or draughty windows and exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius can damage the plant).

Queen of the Night prefers humidity between 40-50%. Under normal room conditions, mist the leaves occasionally to provide the kind of humidity it desires. You can also use a room humidifier to increase the humidity.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers a sandy, well-draining potting mix. It is important that the soil is a little on the gritty side to facilitate good drainage. Use store-bought succulent or cactus mix, or make your own blend with two parts potting mix, one part perlite, and one part coarse sand.

Feed your Queen of the Night with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength every two weeks during the summer. Fertilize them once a month during the winter months. Do not fertilize the plant during its dormancy period.

The Queen of the Night may be prone to infestations of mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Mealybugs can be controlled with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scale and aphids can be controlled by washing the leaves with insecticidal soap regularly. If extensive infestations develop use a bug spray or any home remedies.

Repot your Queen of the Night every couple of years, especially if it is growing too large for its pot. Repot in spring when the plant is just about to begin its active growth period. Use a soil-based potting mix, and select a pot with drain holes.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a fast-growing houseplant that needs regular pruning. Prune its stems back to encourage bushier growth, and remove any damaged and dead leaves. Prune to the desired shape and size while trimming any overgrown stems or shoots.

During the warmer months, you can use mulching as a way to boost moisture retention and help moderate soil temperature. Mulch with peat moss, cocoa hulls, or the shredded bark of cypress or cedar.

You can propagate the Queen of the Night both from cuttings and from seed. To propagate from cuttings simply take a 4-6 inch cutting from an established stem. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in potting mix. To propagate from seed, sow them on top of the soil, and water them lightly.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum has vining stems that can reach up to 6-10 feet in length. If the plant becomes leggy and falls over, provide it with support by using a trellis or stake that is firmly placed in the potting mix.

Queen of the Night has a dormant period from November to February. During this time reduce watering, stop fertilizing, and reduce misting. Place the plant in a cool spot that receives bright, diffused sunlight.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not considered toxic to cats or dogs.