Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 28 Jan 2026

Moonlight Cactus, the Night Blooming Wonder with a mystical twist: Epiphyllum oxypetalum FAQ

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night, Night-Blooming Cereus, flower close up

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night, Night-Blooming Cereus, flower close up

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night, Night-Blooming Cereus, flower

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night, Night-Blooming Cereus, flower

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower center

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower center

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower with highlight

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower with highlight

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower with highlight

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Queen of the Night flower with highlight

🔮 Moonlight Cactus, the Night Blooming Wonder with a mystical twist: Epiphyllum oxypetalum FAQ



🌙 Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Queen of the Night or Night-Blooming Cereus, is a tropical epiphytic cactus famous for its huge, fragrant white flowers that open only at night. The blooms usually last just one night, often opening after sunset and closing by morning, which is why it has such a mystical reputation. The plant itself has long, flat, leaf-like stems and is often grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb. It is easy to grow, prefers bright filtered light, and rewards patience with one of the most dramatic blooms in the plant world.
  • 🎆 Why is it called Queen of the Night?


    Because it produces large, fragrant white flowers that open only at night. The blooms usually open after sunset and close by morning.
  • 🎆 How often does it bloom?


    Usually once or a few times a year, often in late spring or summer. Blooms are short-lived but unforgettable.
  • 🎆 Is it really a cactus?


    Yes, but it is a tropical epiphytic cactus. It grows more like an orchid or jungle plant than a desert cactus.
  • 🎆 Does it need full sun?


    No. It prefers bright, filtered light or partial shade. Direct hot sun can scorch the stems.
  • 🎆 Can it be grown indoors?


    Yes. It does very well indoors near a bright window or outdoors in warm, shaded areas.
  • 🎆 Does it need a lot of water?


    More than desert cacti, but not soggy soil. Water when the top layer of soil dries out.
  • 🎆 Can it grow in a pot or hanging basket?


    Yes. It is commonly grown in containers, hanging baskets, or trained to climb on a support.
  • 🎆 Is it rare?


    Mature blooming plants are highly valued because flowering takes patience and good care.


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