Fauna
Plant

Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Also known as Dutchman's Pipe Cactus, Princess of the Night, Orchid Cactus

Queen of the night is an epiphytic cactus celebrated for massive, snow-white blossoms that open only after sunset and wither before sunrise. The flattened, leaf-like stems cling to tree branches in tropical humid forests, absorbing moisture and nutrients from surrounding air and debris. During its single-night bloom, the flower emits a powerful scent designed to attract nocturnal pollinators across broad canopy gaps.

NocturnalEpiphyticFragrant
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Scale insects
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat degradation, illegal wild collection
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid cloud forests, canopy branches
Life span20–50+ years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCactaceae
  3. GenusEpiphyllum
  4. SpeciesEpiphyllum oxypetalum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Evening Observation: Watch the large buds closely as dusk settles, as flowers open fully within a few hours.
  • Fragrance Tracking: Follow the rich, vanilla-like scent emitted around midnight to locate fresh blooms.
  • Stem Care: Protect the long, flattened stems from intense direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.
Related species
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