Queen of the Night "Epiphyllum Oxypetalum"
Affectionately called the "Queen of the Night", the night blooming Cereus plant is highly sought after for its elusive flowers. Blooming can begin at dusk with the flower being fully open around midnight. They are bright white, multi-petaled flowers can range between 8 to 14 inches across. Once the sun starts the rise, the flowers will begin to wilt and completely fade by early morning. Why do they bloom at night? The main pollinators for this plant are moths and bats, which are more active during the dark. Typically the foliage is a flat, dark green stem with scalloped edges, but some branches can have thicker, sectioned areas making it a wild climbing and trailing plant all at the same time. This fast growing succulent will thrive outdoors in bright morning sun or filtered light. They tolerate drought but prefer regular watering during the spring and summer months.
The main differences between Hookeri and Oxypetalum variety can be seen in their blooms. Oxypetalum flowers are larger and more open and have much wider petals. Both varieties open at night but Oxypetalum bloom rarely, often just once or twice a year and have a sweet intensely jasmine-like fragrance. Their foliage is broader, flatter, and not as rigid as the Hookeri.
*Plant ships bare root