Epiphyllum Hookeri

Description

Epiphyllum hookeri – Night-Blooming Orchid Cactus

Genus: Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum hookeri, also known as the Night-Blooming Orchid Cactus, is a stunning epiphytic cactus that puts on a jaw-dropping show when its enormous white flowers unfurl in the night. With long, arching, flat stems and an exotic, tropical flair, this plant is a must-have for collectors and bloom lovers alike. Whether hanging in a basket or cascading from a high shelf, it adds drama and elegance to any indoor or shaded outdoor setting.

🌸 A Magical Blooming Experience

The true highlight of Epiphyllum hookeri is its incredible flowers. Each bloom can reach 6 to 8 inches in diameter and features a radiant starburst of white petals and delicate inner filaments. These blooms open exclusively at night, slowly unfurling in the evening and reaching full display by midnight.

Equally captivating is the fragrance—sweet, rich, and intoxicating—often compared to jasmine or gardenia. Just one flower can fill the air with perfume, and when several bloom at once, the scent can easily drift throughout your home or garden.

However, this beauty is fleeting: each flower lasts for only a single night, typically wilting by dawn. Fortunately, mature plants can produce multiple blooms in succession, turning several nights into an enchanting floral event.

🌿 Care Guide

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the stems.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow good drainage and avoid soggy conditions.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity—great for patios or indoor spaces with some moisture in the air.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 60–85°F. Protect from frost.
• Soil: Use a well-draining orchid or cactus mix, enriched with bark or perlite.
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
• Blooming: Blooms in late spring or summer, usually at night. To encourage flowering, provide a brief period of cooler nighttime temps in early spring.
• Potting: Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound. They thrive slightly pot-bound.

With just a bit of care, Epiphyllum hookeri will reward you with mystical nighttime blooms, heady fragrance, and a graceful, tropical presence that’s simply unforgettable.