Epiphyllum oxypetalum, the Queen of the Night, is a celebrated night-blooming epiphytic cactus. Its flat, leaf-like green stems arch and trail, while the legendary blooms - large, pure white, intensely fragrant flowers - open only at night and fade by morning. Widely loved in India and often traded as Brahma Kamal, it is grown for the magic of its rare, fleeting flowers. It prefers bright indirect light, an airy potting mix and protection from the harsh afternoon sun, thriving on balconies, verandas and bright indoor spaces.
Specifications
| Family |
Cactaceae |
| Native region |
Central and South America |
| Mature height |
1-3 m, sprawling |
| Mature spread |
0.6-1.2 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast |
| Foliage |
Flat, leaf-like green stems |
| Flower colour |
White |
| Flower season |
Late spring to autumn, at night |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; shield from harsh midday sun |
| Watering |
Water when top soil dries; reduce in winter |
| Soil / mix |
Airy, well-draining mix with bark, coco and perlite |
| Temperature |
15-32 C; protect below 10 C |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Low-nitrogen, bloom-boosting feed monthly when growing |
| Pruning |
Trim leggy or damaged stems after flowering |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years; flowers better slightly pot-bound |
| Propagation |
Very easy from stem cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, scale, snails, spider mites |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic to humans and pets |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Grown as a prized ornamental for its spectacular, fragrant nocturnal blooms; popular in Indian homes and temples and often gifted. Ideal for large pots, hanging baskets and shaded balconies.
Growing tips
Across India it flourishes in bright shade with airy soil; keep it slightly pot-bound and feed a bloom fertilizer before the monsoon to encourage the famous night flowers.