The Queen of the Night Cactus, scientifically known as Selenicereus grandiflorus, belongs to the Cactaceae family, a diverse group of succulent plants adapted to arid environments. The genus Selenicereus includes about 20 species of climbing or epiphytic cacti, often called night-blooming cereus due to their nocturnal flowers. The species name “grandiflorus” reflects its large, showy blooms, derived from Latin for “large-flowered.” As a monocot, it shares the cactus family’s traits of fleshy stems and reduced leaves, with S. grandiflorus distinguished for its sprawling habit and spectacular flowers. Its taxonomic placement aligns it with other tropical cacti like Hylocereus, emphasizing its adaptation to humid, forested habitats.
Selenicereus grandiflorus is a sprawling, climbing cactus with long, slender, green stems, 10–20 feet (3–6 meters) in length, and 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) thick, featuring 5–8 ribs. The stems are segmented, with small, bristly spines or hair-like structures at areoles, often rooting where they touch soil. Its most striking feature is its nocturnal flowers, blooming in summer for one night only, measuring 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) wide, with creamy-white petals, golden-yellow outer tepals, and a strong, vanilla-like fragrance. The flowers give way to oblong, red fruits, about 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) long, edible but rarely produced in cultivation. Its vigorous, vine-like growth and ephemeral 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, including Jamaica and Cuba. It grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in tropical forests, climbing trees or clinging to rocky outcrops, often in humid, shaded environments with well-drained substrates. Widely cultivated for its stunning flowers, it has been introduced to tropical and subtropical regions, including Florida, Hawaii, Australia, and Southeast Asia, where it thrives in gardens or greenhouses. It is not invasive but is primarily a cultivated ornamental outside its native range.
Selenicereus grandiflorus is hardy in USDA zones 10a–11, tolerating temperatures as low as 30°F (-1°C) for brief periods, though prolonged cold damages stems. It thrives in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (16°C–32°C), ideal for tropical and coastal regions. In zones below 10a, it is grown in containers or greenhouses, brought indoors during winter to avoid frost. High humidity and protection from drying winds are critical in marginal zones to maintain its lush growth.
The Queen of the Night Cactus is prized in landscaping for its dramatic, nocturnal blooms and climbing habit, making it a unique addition to tropical and desert gardens. Its sprawling stems are ideal for draping over walls, trellises, or pergolas, creating a cascading effect, or trained to climb trees in naturalistic settings. In containers, it thrives on patios or in hanging baskets, where its night blooms can be enjoyed up close, especially in warm-climate courtyards. It suits cactus and succulent collections, adding vertical interest, and attracts nocturnal pollinators like bats and moths, enhancing biodiversity. Its need for support and frost protection limits its use in colder climates, but its low water needs make it sustainable for xeriscapes in appropriate zones.
How To Grow And Care For Queen of the Night
Light Requirements
Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade, with 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight daily, mimicking its native forest canopy environment. Morning sun is ideal, but avoid intense afternoon rays to prevent stem scorching. Indoors, place near an east- or west-facing window or use grow lights to ensure adequate brightness without burning.
Soil Preferences
Use a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix (pH 5.5–6.5), such as a cactus or epiphyte blend with 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, and 20% orchid bark. It tolerates nutrient-poor substrates but needs excellent drainage to prevent root rot. In containers, ensure the mix remains loose to support its epiphytic roots.
Watering Needs
Water moderately, keeping soil moist but not soggy during spring–summer, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) every 7–10 days. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. In fall–winter, reduce to every 3–4 weeks, as overwatering causes stem rot. Check moisture levels with a finger to avoid excess, especially in cooler months.
Temperature Range
Grow in USDA zones 10a–11, where temperatures range from 30°F to 90°F (-1°C to 32°C). It tolerates brief chills but suffers below 35°F (2°C); protect with frost cloth in marginal zones. In colder areas, cultivate in pots and move indoors during winter, maintaining 60°F (16°C) or higher with high humidity.
Humidity Levels
Thrive in high humidity (50–70%), reflecting its tropical origins. Low humidity causes stem shriveling, so mist lightly in dry climates or use a pebble tray indoors. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, avoiding overly stagnant, humid conditions that harm epiphytic roots.
Container Selection
Choose pots with drainage holes, preferably 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) wide, to accommodate sprawling stems. Terracotta or plastic pots work, but ensure stability for climbing growth—hanging baskets are ideal. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil, using a shallow container to mimic its surface-rooting nature.
Fertilization
Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK at 1/4 strength) monthly during spring–summer to support flowering. Avoid feeding in fall–winter to respect dormancy. Over-fertilizing causes soft, weak stems, so use sparingly to maintain the cactus’s natural vigor and bloom quality.
Pruning
Trim sparingly to remove dead, damaged, or overly tangled stems, using clean, sharp shears in spring. Cut back excessive growth to manage size or encourage branching, but avoid heavy pruning, as it delays flowering. Support long stems with trellises or stakes to prevent breakage and maintain an attractive form.
Propagation
Propagate via stem cuttings or seeds. Take 6–12-inch (15–30 cm) cuttings, let them callus for 2–3 days, and plant in a well-draining mix; roots form in 4–6 weeks. Seeds, sown at 70–80°F (21–27°C), germinate in 2–4 weeks but are slow to mature. Cuttings are faster and ensure true-to-type plants.
Pest Control
Watch for pests like mealybugs, scale, or spider mites, which hide in stem crevices. Inspect regularly, treating infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap, applied in early morning. Maintain proper watering and humidity to reduce stress, as healthy cacti are less susceptible to pest damage.
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years in spring, or when roots overcrowd the pot. Gently remove, shake off old soil, and replant in fresh cactus mix, keeping the stem base at soil level. Water lightly after repotting and provide shade for a week to ease transplant shock, ensuring the pot has ample drainage.
Flowering Care
Encourage nocturnal blooms (summer) with consistent warmth, humidity, and light. Mature plants (3–5 years) flower best; ensure no overwatering or excessive shade, which inhibits buds. Flowers last one night, so monitor closely to enjoy them. Remove spent blooms to tidy the plant and redirect energy to growth.
Common Issues
Address overwatering (soft, yellowing stems, rot) by improving drainage and reducing frequency. Underwatering (shriveled, dry stems) requires slight watering increases. Poor flowering may indicate insufficient light or nutrients; adjust sun exposure or fertilize lightly. Fungal spots from high humidity are prevented with better airflow and less overhead watering.