Selenicereus grandiflorus

The Queen of the Night is drought-tolerant and only needs thorough watering when the soil is completely dry. It's important to avoid any water accumulation. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, and reduce watering in the winter. Use rainwater or distilled water to prevent soil compaction, which can be caused by tap water.

Originating in arid areas, Queen of the Night prospers in full sun, its native habitat marked by strong sunlight and very little shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, providing some adaptability in its growth.

Queen of the night prefers warm conditions and needs higher temperatures during the growing season to support growth and metabolic processes. It does best with plenty of sunlight, suitable moisture levels, and good air circulation. However, it is vulnerable to harm from very low temperatures and from excessive watering. It is important to maintain a balance and to avoid both excessively high heat and overly dry conditions.

This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.

For Queen of the night, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter and summer when it is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for repotted plants and delay fertilizing for a couple of months after repotting. Applying fertilizer supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Repot the Queen of the Night in spring or summer, choosing a pot just slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a sandy or gritty cactus mix that drains well. Handle the plant carefully to avoid its spines. Let the cactus dry out before repotting to help prevent root rot. After repotting, wait about a week before watering so the roots can heal.

The "Queen of the Night" plant is known for its large, fragrant blooms. To keep it healthy and thriving, it requires careful pruning from early to late winter. When pruning, focus on removing dead stems and thinning out overly crowded areas to improve air circulation. Be careful not to prune too heavily, as this can hinder blooming. Regular, gentle pruning encourages healthier growth and more abundant flowering. Additionally, handle the plant with care, as it has spiny stems.