Queen Of The Night

(Selenicereus grandiflorus)

Queen Of The Night (Selenicereus grandiflorus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Selenicereus grandiflorus, commonly known as Queen Of The Night, is an evergreen cactus native to tropical forests, rocky woodlands, and dry forest regions in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. It can reach lengths of over 10 meters, with branching, climbing, or sprawling stems that produce aerial roots. The stems are typically 10 to 30 mm thick. This species is known for its large, nocturnally blooming, orange flowers that exude a vanilla-like fragrance. The flowers are quite showy, but they bloom infrequently – typically once a year in late spring or early summer – and their blossoms wither within hours.

Queen Of The Night is valued for its unique blooming habit and its exotic, fragrant flowers. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in containers or greenhouses. While it is rare in cultivation, it is a fast-growing plant that can be trained to climb. It requires a humus-rich compost and consistent moisture during the summer, but it should not be exposed to temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) in winter. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soil. Extra light in early spring can encourage the formation of buds. Gardeners should be aware that while it is easy to grow, it can become quite large and may require regular pruning to manage its size.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Vine
  • Height: 1-10 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White, Cream
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to tropical forests, rocky woodlands, and dry forest regions

Other Names

Common Names: Night-Blooming Cereus, Queen-Of-The-Night, Large-Flowered Cactus, Sweet-Scented Cactus, Vanilla Cactus, Königin Der Nacht, Reina De La Noche, Cardón, Pitayita-Nocturna Reina De La Noche, Nattens Drottning

Scientific Names: , Selenicereus grandiflorus, Cereus callicanthus, Cereus grandiflorus var. affinis, Cereus grandiflorus var. barbadensis, Cereus grandiflorus var. callicanthus, Cereus grandiflorus var. flemingii, Cereus grandiflorus var. grusonianus, Cereus grandiflorus var. hybridus, Cereus grandiflorus var. maximiliani

GBIF Accepted Name: Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britton & Rose