EPIPHYLLUM oxypetalum

Contributed by K.W. Woo

Queen of the Night is the name for this plant. This is because of its night blooming habit. The origin of this plant is Central America.

Epiphyllum has flattened fleshy stems and without any prickles. The flowers are very fragrant and open at night from 10 pm to 7 am. It blooms only on sectoins of the stem which are at least 2 years old. A well-grown plant will flower several times a year. Their main enemies are the mealy bugs and scale insects.

This plant needs good light. Give it ample morning sunlight. Afternoon sun tends to scorch the fleshy stems and discolour them. Air circulation is important. The soil should be rich and porous made up of 1 part burnt earth and 2 parts of leafmould, 1 part of rotted cow manure, 1 part of coarse sand and some broken bricks. The emphasis here is on rich and porous. The plant responds well to manuring when well-established. A cactus fertilizer with high potash is beneficial to the plant. Plenty of water should be given to help to mature the stems. Some gardeners recommend that rain-water is best for the plant. After flowering the plant should be given enough water to prevent any shrivelling. However there is a dormant period where the soil should be kept slightly on the dry side. This usually occurs a few weeks later after the blooms have past their prime. A pot-bound plant blooms more freely. Repotting could be done a few weeks later after flowering.

The easiest way to propagate Epiphyllum is to take a cutting which should be wind dried for an hour or so beofre inserting it in a sandy mixture. Seeds are possible but the flowering will occur only after several years.

This is a popular pot plant and it is a possible subject for soilless cultivation. Some Epiphyllums were seen in rock gardens.