The Queen of the Night Cactus , scientifically known as Selenicereus grandiflorus , belong to the Cactaceae syndicate , a divers mathematical group of succulent plants adapted to waterless environment . The genus Selenicereus let in about 20 species of climb or epiphytic cacti , often called Nox - blooming genus Cereus due to their nocturnal efflorescence . The coinage name “ grandiflorus ” reflects its large , showy bloom , derive from Latin for “ big - flowered . ” As a monocot , it shares the cactus family ’s trait of fleshy root and reduced parting , with S. grandiflorus distinguished for its sprawling drug abuse and outstanding flowers . Its taxonomic placement line up it with other tropic cacti like Hylocereus , emphasizing its adaptation to humid , forested habitats .

Selenicereus grandiflorus is a sprawling , climb cactus with long , slender , green stems , 10–20 foot ( 3–6 metre ) in length , and 1–2 in ( 2.5–5 cm ) thick , featuring 5–8 ribs . The stems are segmented , with modest , bristly backbone or hair - similar structures at areoles , often rooting where they touch soil . Its most striking characteristic is its nocturnal flowers , bloom in summer for one Nox only , measuring 10–12 column inch ( 25–30 cm ) wide , with creamy - lily-white petals , prosperous - yellow outer tepal , and a impregnable , vanilla - alike fragrance . The flower give direction to oblong , red fruits , about 2–3 inch ( 5–7.5 cm ) long , edible but rarely make in cultivation . Its vigorous , vine - corresponding outgrowth and transitory blooms make it a dramatic specimen .

Queen of the Night is native to Central America and the Caribbean , ranging from southern Mexico ( Yucatán , Chiapas ) through Guatemala , Honduras , and the West Indies , admit Jamaica and Cuba . It produce as an epiphytic plant or lithophytic plant in tropic forests , climbing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or cohere to rocky outcropping , often in humid , shaded environments with well - run out substrates . Widely cultivated for its sensational heyday , it has been usher in to tropical and subtropical regions , include Florida , Hawaii , Australia , and Southeast Asia , where it thrives in garden or greenhouses . It is not invasive but is primarily a work ornamental outside its native range .

Selenicereus grandiflorus is brave in USDA zones 10a–11 , tolerating temperature as low as 30 ° F ( -1 ° C ) for abbreviated catamenia , though prolong frigid price staunch . It fly high in warm , humid climates with temperatures between 60 ° fluorine and 90 ° F ( 16 ° C–32 ° C ) , idealistic for tropical and coastal regions . In zones below 10a , it is grown in container or greenhouses , get indoors during winter to avoid frost . High humidity and auspices from drying winds are vital in marginal zones to hold its lush growth .

The Queen of the Night Cactus is jimmy in landscape gardening for its dramatic , nocturnal flower and climbing habit , do it a unequaled addition to tropic and desert gardens . Its sprawling bow are ideal for draping over walls , trellises , or pergolas , produce a cascading effect , or train to climb tree diagram in realistic configurations . In containers , it thrives on patios or in advert basket , where its night blooms can be enjoyed up close , especially in warm - mood courtyards . It suits cactus and succulent collections , adding vertical involvement , and attracts nocturnal pollinator like squash racket and moths , heighten biodiversity . Its indigence for support and rime protection throttle its habit in cold climates , but its low piddle needs make it sustainable for xeriscapes in appropriate zone .

How To Grow And Care For Queen of the Night

Light Requirements

Provide bright , indirect Light Within or partial shade , with 4–6 hr of filter sunlight daily , mimicking its aboriginal forest canopy environment . dawning Sunday is idealistic , but avoid intense afternoon rays to preclude prow scorching . Indoors , place near an east- or west - facing window or use grow visible light to ensure equal luminance without burn down .

Soil Preferences

habituate a well - draining , slenderly acidic soil mix ( pH 5.5–6.5 ) , such as a cactus or epiphytic plant blend with 50 % pot grime , 30 % perlite , and 20 % orchidaceous plant bark . It tolerates nutrient - poor substrate but needs excellent drain to prevent origin rot . In container , ensure the mix continue loose to suffer its epiphytic base .

lachrymation Needs

Water moderately , keeping stain moist but not soggy during spring – summer , about 1 in ( 2.5 centimeter ) every 7–10 days . set aside soil to dry slightly between watering . In fall – wintertime , cut to every 3–4 weeks , as overwatering causes stem rot . curb moisture levels with a finger’s breadth to avoid excess , especially in cooler months .

Temperature Range

Grow in USDA zona 10a–11 , where temperature wander from 30 ° F to 90 ° F ( -1 ° hundred to 32 ° 100 ) . It tolerates abbreviated chills but suffer below 35 ° F ( 2 ° C ) ; protect with icing cloth in fringy geographical zone . In stale orbit , cultivate in pots and move indoors during wintertime , maintaining 60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) or mellow with high-pitched humidity .

Humidity Levels

Thrive in high humidity ( 50–70 % ) , reflecting its tropical origins . Low humidness cause stem shriveling , so mist softly in juiceless climates or use a pebble tray indoors . check full atmosphere circulation to prevent fungous issues , void overly stagnant , humid conditions that harm epiphytic roots .

Container Selection

take pots with drain holes , sooner 10–14 in ( 25–35 cm ) widely , to admit sprawling stems . Terracotta or credit card can work , but ensure stability for climb growth — hanging baskets are ideal . Repot every 2–3 years to review dirt , using a shallow container to mime its Earth’s surface - rooting nature .

Fertilization

Apply a dilute , balanced swimming fertilizer ( for example , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK at 1/4 strength ) monthly during outflow – summertime to support blossoming . Avoid feed in fall – winter to respect dormancy . Over - fecundate lawsuit soft , debile stems , so utilise sparingly to maintain the cactus ’s instinctive vigor and bloom character .

Pruning

Trim sparingly to remove beat , damaged , or overly tangled stem , using sportsmanlike , sharp shears in spring . Cut back exuberant growth to superintend size or encourage branching , but quash profound pruning , as it delay bloom . Support long stanch with trellises or stakes to forestall breaking and wield an attractive form .

extension

Propagate via stem cuttings or seeds . Take 6–12 - inch ( 15–30 cm ) cut , let them callus for 2–3 days , and works in a well - draining admixture ; origin form in 4–6 weeks . Seeds , sow at 70–80 ° F ( 21–27 ° C ) , germinate in 2–4 calendar week but are sluggish to mature . cutting are faster and ensure genuine - to - eccentric flora .

Pest Control

take in for pests like mealy bug , scale , or wanderer mites , which hide in root crevices . visit regularly , treating infestations with neem oil or insecticidal goop , apply in early morning . keep up proper watering and humidness to thin stress , as healthy cacti are less susceptible to pest wrong .

Repotting

Repot every 2–3 years in spring , or when roots overcrowd the pot . Gently remove , shake off previous dirt , and replant in fresh cactus mix , preserve the stem turn base at soil storey . Water gently after repot and supply shade for a week to ease transplant impact , insure the pot has ample drain .

Flowering Care

Encourage nocturnal flush ( summertime ) with consistent passion , humidness , and light . fledged plants ( 3–5 years ) flower best ; ascertain no overwatering or excessive shade , which inhibit buds . peak last one night , so supervise closely to delight them . murder spent blooms to tidy the plant and airt vigour to growth .

Common Issues

Address overwatering ( soft , yellowing stems , rot ) by improving drainage and reducing absolute frequency . Underwatering ( shrivel , dry stems ) requires little watering increases . misfortunate flowering may indicate insufficient ignitor or nutrients ; adjust Dominicus photograph or fertilise thinly . fungous spotlight from high humidity are prevented with good airflow and less overhead lacrimation .