Queen of the night cactus care guide
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Quick answer
Water your queen of the night cactus when the top 4 cm (1.6 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 8 to 12 days.
- WateringEvery 8 to 12 days · summer
Every 16 to 24 days, sometimes less often · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate11–27 °C (52–81 °F)
- Pet safetyNot confirmed pet-safe
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
4 cm (1.6 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 8 to 12 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 16 to 24 days, sometimes less often
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
Queen of the night cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your queen of the night cactus every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a cactus and succulent fertilizer, which is lower in nitrogen, at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate11–27 °C (52–81 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 11–27 °C (52–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Not confirmed pet-safe
Common questions
How often should I water a queen of the night cactus?
Water your queen of the night cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) when the top 4 cm (1.6 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 8 to 12 days. In winter, slow down to every 16 to 24 days, sometimes less often.
How much light does a queen of the night cactus need?
Queen of the night cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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