Photo: Skjold SøndergaardCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Queen of the Night Plant Care
Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking night-blooming flowers that are large and white in color. Originating from Central America, Selenicereus monacanthus is sought after by plant collectors for its unique blooming schedule and beautiful fragrance.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect to partial sun
60–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Queen of the Night?
Water Queen of the Night every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to partial sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Queen of the Night Native To?
What Is the Queen of the Night?
Queen of the Night (Selenicereus monacanthus) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Selenicereus genus. Queen of the Night is native to parts of Central America and South America. Queen of the Night is also known as orchid cactus.
Queen of the Night displays a vining, climbing cactus growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Queen of the Night produces large, fragrant white blooms that open at night.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Queen of the Night?
Selenicereus monacanthus requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Queen of the Night Need?
Queen of the Night thrives in bright indirect to partial sun. Avoid placing Queen of the Night in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to partial sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Queen of the Night Prefer?
Selenicereus monacanthus grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Queen of the Night prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Queen of the Night?
Sandy, well-draining cactus mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Queen of the Night to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Queen of the Night?
Feed Queen of the Night every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Queen of the Night?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Queen of the Night?
Queen of the Night can be propagated through stem cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ric rac cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Queen of the Night Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Queen of the Night, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Queen of the Night?
Queen of the Night is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Queen of the Night Need?
Queen of the Night grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Queen of the Night is native to parts of Central America and South America. In cooler regions, grow Queen of the Night as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Queen of the Night is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Selenicereus genus — compare its care with other Selenicereus species on PlantoScan.
Selenicereus is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Queen of the Night thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Selenicereus Species
Other Selenicereus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Selenicereus monacanthus (Lem.) D.R.Hunt, family Cactaceae (first published in in Cactaceae Syst. Init. 36: 33. 2017.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Queen of the Night, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Skjold Søndergaard, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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