Epiphyllum oxypetalum(DC . ) Haw .
Dutchman ’s Pipe Cactus , Jungle Cactus , Lady of the Night , Night - blooming Cactus , Night - blooming Cereus , Orchid Cactus , Queen of the Night
Cereus oxypetalus , Phyllocactus oxypetalus
Photo byWarren Sarle
Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : CactoideaeTribe : HylocereeaeGenus : Epiphyllum
The specific epithet " oxypetalum " ( pronounced " oks - ee - PET - al - um " ) have in mind " acutely - petaled " and advert to the petals of this species that point to a pointedness .
Epiphyllum oxypetalumis aboriginal to southernMexicoand across-the-board areas ofSouth America .
Photo via houseplant411.com
Epiphyllum oxypetalumis a profusely branchedepiphytic cactuswith a cylindrical , tumid or semi - erect primary stem that bears foliage - like , scallop , dour green branch . It is one of the most cultivated species in the genus . The main stem is woody at the base . The branch can grow up to 16 in ( 40 cm ) tenacious and 2.4 inches ( 6 cm ) wide .
The large , blank , funnel - shaped flowers can reach a length of 12 in ( 30 centimetre ) and a diam of 5 inches ( 20 cm ) . They are nocturnal and fragrant and appear in late fountain or early summer , opening in the late evening and shut again at sunrise . The fruits are purplish - red , oblong , and angled , and can originate up to 6.4 inch ( 16 curium ) prospicient and 3.2 inches ( 8 cm ) in diameter .
USDA hardiness zones10a to 11b : from 30 ° F ( -1.1 ° C ) to 50 ° F ( 10 ° light speed ) .
Photo viaagriculturecountry.blogspot.com
Epiphyllums are hardy to about 50 ° F ( 10 ° 100 ) but demand at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) during the growing season , so they are well grown in a heated greenhouse orindoors . Place the pots in shining , filtered light with restrained to high humidity . To increase the humidness , pose the potbelly on a tray filled with gravel and keep this topped up with water , but not enough so that the water achieve the airfoil . These cacti require sharply debilitate growing medium . Grow them in received cactus soil with add grit or perlite . Alternatively , mix three parts of loam - based compost with two part of moxie or perlite and one part of peat - free multipurpose compost .
Overlong stems can be cut off or shortened . New shoots will ordinarily develop just behind the cut . However , be careful not tooverwaterafter pruning , as the plant ’s body of water requirements will be reduced . LargeEpiphyllums can become unstable in their pile . Repot into a heavier pot , such as terracotta , or a wider container , such as a pan . Alternatively , try cane and marry the stem up , but this can look unsightly .
Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Epiphyllum .
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