Large & Rooted: Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

This listing is for Queen of the Night, an orchid cactus with the unusual property of each flower opens just once, nocturnally, typically in late fall, closing in the morning hours.

Glossy, elongated emerald-green flat leaves with both "scalloped" and smooth edges, sending out new leaves from longer ones which creates interesting patterns and effects. Flowers, summer to fall, are large but delicate in form, snowy-white petals within "fringe-petals" of the most delicate baby-pink imaginable.

The orchid cactus knows how to make a statement wherever it is, and it is a versatile, "hardy" orchid plant that thrives in all kinds of interesting forms:

Hanging Baskets:
This emerald-beauty looks stunning in hanging baskets, sending leaves cascading over the side as well as taking a vertical stance. I have two on the portico, potted as single blade-plants last fall, and just look at them now! When the morning light illuminates them the emerald color is extra showy.

Potted:
In a pot: I love my mother-plant (see photos) which has been thriving in the same pot for years. It has center-stage on the shade-house corner of the lanai, producing crazy-long trailing stems dotted with long, flat leaf-like stems with scalloped margins. Let it cascade from a plant stand or create a spray-like effect of emerald leaves when place in the center of a table and enjoy the show. I was gifted a cutting, thus I cannot positively identify it; the blooms strongly resemble both Helmut Oetken, hookeri and Queen of the Night. however this blooms in daylight.

**Baskets under a tree
**Baskets/envelope-types containers attached to trellis-frames in a shade house
**Small pots along a window sill receiving indirect sun
**Potted & placed on a mantel or pedestal


The orchid cactus plant is a show-off when in bloom with masses of showy flowers blooming at the end of cascading stems. It's pretty spectacular.

Habitat:
Pot in well-draining containers with multiple drainage holes using a non-moisture retaining medium. I've had my plant for approximately eight years and find it's fairly self-sufficient, only needing a re-pot or soil-mix refresh every three years or so. I've re-potted it twice now as it continues to grow.

Water-needs: LOW
Let the soil completely dry between waterings; when watering let the water flush the soil until it runs out drainage holes

Humidity & Temp:
Being an orchid this plants loves humidity, but I give testimony to this orchid's ability to withstand long periods of drier air.

I've never brought this plant in during cold snaps (lowest temps at the occasional mid-to-low 30's) and it's never exhibited adverse effects. It should be noted, however, the plant is "under-roof" in the east-end of the lanai. Cold-hardy (under-roof) to just above freezing. In northern zones it might over-winter in a green house, but best to bring indoors if possible.

Soil: and each year check the soil and add a little cow-manure/compost mix. Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus can grow upright or climbing with long, flat foliage, but I haven't tried to get it to climb. Green year-round, it always looks good. I give it a little feeding once a year or so.

Sun: It likes indirect sun, dappled shade, or shade. My plants receive a little direct sun but always early morning or late-in-the-day sun.