Arizona Cactus Garden

China National Botanical Garden

Dounan Flower Market

Estufa Fria

Cactus Garden Inside A Chocolate Factory: Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden (Henderson, Nevada)

Huntington Desert Garden

Jardin des Plantes

Springs Preserve

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Volunteer Park Conservatory


Even with their reputation for being low-maintenance, succulents still require some care and attention to stay healthy and beautiful, especially when we try to grow them outside their native habitat. Here are the tools that I find very helpful.

## [Clay Pots](https://amzn.to/3Z4XQBw)

![Clay pots](/assets/blog/my-favorite-tools-for-succulents/clay-pots.jpg)
*[Terra Cotta Clay pots](https://amzn.to/3Z4XQBw)*

Clay pots, also known as terra cotta clay pots, are a type of clay-based ceramic material commonly used for making pottery, tiles, and other decorative items. The name "terra cotta" is derived from the Italian words for "baked earth," which refers to the process of firing the clay at high temperatures to create a hard, durable material.

For succulents, terra cotta pots are popular due to their porous nature, which allows for air and moisture exchange with the soil, promoting healthy plant growth, and preventing overwatering.

The rustic and earthy appearance of terra cotta pots is also beloved by many, including myself. I always keep a big stack of clay pots at home and my first step when acquiring a new plant is to move it to a terra cotta pot.

## [Gritty Soil Mix](https://amzn.to/3ZaBBdm)

![Jacks Gritty Mix](/assets/blog/my-favorite-tools-for-succulents/jack-mix.jpg)
*[Jacks Gritty Mix](https://amzn.to/3ZaBBdm) is my favorite kind of mix*

Overwatering is the number one killer of succulents. Consider adding some pumice or grit to your soil mix. These materials will help improve drainage even further, preventing water from getting trapped around the roots of your plant. It also helps aerate the soil and reduces the risk of overwatering.

I was unable to get the mix right, but I discovered [Jacks Gritty Mix](https://amzn.to/3ZaBBdm), which works wonders.

## [Tool set](https://amzn.to/3ENcLIC)

A succulent tool set can make the process much easier and efficient. The set should include a pair of pruning shears to trim away dead or damaged leaves, a small spade or trowel to transfer soil, a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid overwatering, and a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the plant's thorns. Additionally, a set of tweezers can be useful for removing small pests or debris from the plant's leaves. With the right tool set, succulent care can be a breeze and your plants will thrive.

![Succulent Tool set](/assets/blog/my-favorite-tools-for-succulents/tool-set.jpg)
*[Succulent Tool set](https://amzn.to/3ENcLIC)*


## [Grow Light](https://amzn.to/3EIyf9e)

While succulents can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, they do need some light to grow and thrive. If you don’t have access to bright, direct sunlight, consider investing in a grow light. These lights mimic natural sunlight and can help your succulent grow stronger and healthier.

![Grow Light](/assets/blog/my-favorite-tools-for-succulents/grow-light-product.jpg)
*[Grow Light](https://amzn.to/3EIyf9e)*


![Grow Light](/assets/blog/my-favorite-tools-for-succulents/grow-light.jpg)
*[Grow Light](https://amzn.to/3EIyf9e) ([Source](https://www.instagram.com/p/B7d7jy8l7Bp/))*


--------

With the appropriate tools, you can ensure that your succulents remain healthy and thriving. Whether you are using succulent-specific soil, a watering can with a narrow spout, pruning shears, or a grow light, these tools can significantly ease the process of caring for your succulents.

My Favorite Tools For Succulents


Succulents are popular plants for indoor and outdoor gardening, due to their low-maintenance and water-storing capabilities. However, it is important to understand how to water your succulents properly to ensure their health and longevity.

## Understanding Your Succulent's Needs

The first step in watering your succulents is to understand their individual needs, as different species have different water requirements. Some succulents are more tolerant of dry conditions, while others need to be kept consistently moist. It is also important to consider the size, pot, and environment in which your succulent is growing.

## Watering Schedule

Once you understand your succulent's needs, you can establish a watering schedule. In general, succulents should be watered thoroughly, but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water your succulents once every 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the species, environment, and other factors.

## Checking Soil Moisture

It is important to monitor the soil moisture levels in your succulent's pot to ensure that you are watering it correctly. The best way to do this is to stick your finger into the soil and feel for moisture. If the soil is dry, it's time to water, but if it's still moist, it's best to wait until it has dried out completely.

## Watering Techniques

When it's time to water your succulent, it is important to use the right technique. The best way to water succulents is to immerse the entire pot in water, allowing the soil to soak up water from the bottom. This ensures that the entire root system is hydrated, and helps to prevent the soil from becoming compacted.

## Avoiding Over-Watering

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when caring for succulents is over-watering. This can lead to root rot, which is a common cause of death for succulents. To avoid over-watering, be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings, and never leave standing water in the pot.

***

So, watering your succulents correctly is an important part of their care. By understanding their needs, establishing a watering schedule, monitoring soil moisture, using the right watering techniques, and avoiding over-watering, you can ensure that your succulents are healthy and thrive for years to come.

How to Water Your Succulents

Even though succulents are said to be easy indoor plants, they can sometimes be a bit tricky to keep alive. Trust me, I've been there! Every now and then, they start looking sad and wilted, and it can feel pretty disheartening. But don't worry! There's always a reason for it, and often, there's a simple way to make them happy again.

## Contents

## Leaning Towards Light

![leaning-towards-light](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/leaning-towards-light.jpg)

**Cause**: Lack of Sunlight

If your plant starts leaning towards the light or growing towards a window, that's a sure sign that it isn't receiving enough sunlight.

**How to Fix**

- Shift your plant toward the source of light.
- Consider that morning light is preferable to harsh afternoon light.
- If planning a significant relocation, do it gradually to avoid shocking the plant.

---

## Shrivelled Leaves

![shriveling](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/shriveling.jpg)

![shriveling](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/shriveling2.jpg)

**Cause**: Underwatering

Leaves dying are a normal part of succulent growth, and there will be times when you need to trim the dead leaves of a succulent, which will often be the bottom, older leaves. However, if the leaves suddenly start shrivelling or looking wrinkled all over, chances are your plant isn't getting enough water.

**How to Fix**
- Check the soil for dryness to confirm if underwatering is the issue.
- If the soil is very dry, provide your plant with water.
- Make sure to thoroughly drench the soil while watering.
- Consider increasing the frequency of your watering routine.

---

## Rotting

![rotting](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/rotting.jpg)

**Cause**: Overwatering

Commonly, you will notice it on the stem as black, soft or mushy spots. Despite the common moniker of "root rot," it isn't always apparent in the roots. It may also only present as soggy/translucent leaves.

**How to Fix**

- If you notice soggy leaves, it's advisable to unpot the plant to inspect the roots for dryness and overall health.
- Repot the plant into dry soil if necessary, allowing the roots to dry.
- Consider preemptive beheading as an option,  which involves cutting off the healthy top portion above the affected area to propagate.
- Check for a crisp and healthy green interior with a slightly darker ring; it may sometimes appear more brown.
- Let the cutting sit in indirect light to callus, which allows you to monitor for any recurring rot.
- Once the cutting has callused, replant it and follow propagation tips.

If the rot extends too high for a decent cutting, your only chance may be to pull leaves that still appear healthy for propagation.

---

## Yellowing Leaves

![yellow-leaves](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/yellow-leaves.jpg)

![yellow-leaves](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/yellow-leaves2.jpg)


**Cause**: Overwatering

Another sure sign of overwatering, yellowing leaves is something you may notice prior to any major rotting.

**How to Fix**

- Refrain from watering for a while until the leaves regain their color.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
---

## Black/Brown Spotting

![edema](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/edema.jpg)

![edema](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/edema2.jpg)

![edema](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/edema3.jpg)

**Cause**: Overwatering

If you're seeing your plant turn brown or black in spots or along the trunk of the plant, chances are you've gone a bit overboard in the watering department.

A condition called plant edema, in plants, occurs when rough spots, bumps, or blisters develop on the leaves of succulents and other plants. These spots can be brown, white, red, yellow, or black in color. Succulent edema indicates an imbalance in the plant that you should correct, but it is not a fatal condition. Instead, it serves as an early warning signal prompting you to adjust your growing conditions to prevent more serious damage.

**How to Fix**

Unfortunately, once the trunk has gone completely black, it can be difficult to bring a succulent back to life. However, leave it for a while to dry out, and you may find that the spots go away, and the plant recovers.

---

## Dull Color

**Cause**: Lack of Sunlight

Loss of color often occurs when a succulent is exposed to too much sunlight, as there is a bleaching effect. A green succulent may turn to a pale green or white, and if it was bright pink, purple, or yellow, it may turn a lighter green color.

**How to Fix**

Move your plant to a less bright corner, and if it was in the afternoon sun, move it to a place that gets more reflected light or less harsh morning sun.

---

## Translucent Yellow/Brown

![translucent-yellow-leaves](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/translucent-yellow-leaves.jpg)

**Cause**: Overwatering

If a leaf begins to turn translucent yellow/brown and gets soft, that might be a sign of overwatering. 

**How to Fix**
- Refrain from watering for a while until the leaves regain their color.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

---

## Sudden Leaf Drop

![sudden-leaf-drop](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/sudden-leaf-drop.jpg)

Sudden leaf drop is often a sign of overwatering. 

**How to Fix**

- Early signs of a problem, such as leaf drop, are fortunate because they don't always require immediate action.
- If you are concerned, consider unpotting the plant to check if the rootball is dry, and allow it to dry if necessary.
- Afterward, reevaluate your soil mix and adjust your watering frequency as needed.

---

## Brown or White Mark

![sunburn](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/sunburn.jpg)

![sunburn](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/sunburn2.jpg)
**Cause**: Sunburn

Sunburn usually presents as a brown or white mark that looks like a scar.

**How to Fix**

The severity of the sunburn will determine the course of action. A sunburned plant is often in shock and requires rest.

- Initially, place the plant in a fully shaded area for a few days to monitor its condition.
- If the damage worsens, consider trimming away the affected parts to prevent rot. Do not water immediately.
- Any sun-scalded portions of the plant may also need to be removed.
- Depending on the plant and the extent of damage, you may have cuttings that need to be rooted.
- After this rest period or any necessary cutting, gradually reintroduce the plant to sunlight.

## Turning Red

![turning-red](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/turning-red.jpg)

![turning-red](/assets/blog/whats-wrong-with-my-succulent/turning-red2.jpg)
**Cause**: Sunburn

Sunburn usually presents as a brown or white mark that looks like a scar.

**How to Fix**

No need to fix. It is the nature of succulents. Be careful of sunburn.

## Final Words

Remember, for succulents, neglect is key. Overtending and overwatering are what kill our succulents the most.

What's Wrong With My Succulent? Common Problems of Succulents

<p>Succulents are a diverse group of plants that have adapted to grow in harsh and arid environments. They are popular choices for low-maintenance indoor and outdoor gardening, as they are known for their ability to store water in their leaves and stems.</p>
<h2 id="sunlight-requirements"><a href="#sunlight-requirements" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Sunlight Requirements</h2>
<p>Succulents need bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day to maintain their health and vitality. Depending on the species, they need between 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day to support photosynthesis, the process by which they produce energy from sunlight and use it to grow.</p>
<h2 id="avoiding-sunburn"><a href="#avoiding-sunburn" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Avoiding Sunburn</h2>
<p>While sunlight is essential for succulents, it's important to note that too much sunlight can be damaging, causing sunburn and other issues. Sunburn appears as white, yellow, or brown patches on the leaves and can eventually lead to leaf drop. To prevent sunburn, it's a good idea to gradually acclimate your succulents to sunlight by moving them from a shadier location to a sunnier one over the course of a few days.</p>
<h2 id="providing-shade"><a href="#providing-shade" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Providing Shade</h2>
<p>In areas with intense sunlight, such as desert regions, it may be necessary to provide shade for your succulents during the hottest part of the day. This can be done by placing a sheer curtain over the windowsill or placing the succulent in a location that receives dappled sunlight, such as under a tree.</p>
<hr>
<p>Succulents need bright, direct sunlight to thrive, but too much sunlight can be damaging. The amount of sunlight they need can vary depending on the species, but generally 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day is sufficient. If you live in an area with intense sunlight, it's important to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn.</p>


How Much Sunlight Do Succulents Need?


![Hoodia gordonii on rock](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-on-rock.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii on rock.*

Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa. For centuries, indigenous San people have used this remarkable plant as a natural appetite suppressant during long hunting expeditions. The plant's ability to suppress hunger and thirst has made it a subject of interest in modern weight management research.

## Quick Facts

- **Native Habitat**: Botswana, South Africa and Namibia
- **Family**: Apocynaceae
- **Water**: Low
- **Sunlight**: Full sun
- **Soil**: Well-draining cactus mix

## Contents

## Why it is called Hoodia Gordonii?

Hoodia Gordonii is named after the San people of South Africa, who have used the plant for centuries for its appetite-suppressing properties.

## The Appearance of Hoodia Gordonii

### Leaves

Hoodia Gordonii has thick, fleshy leaves that are typically green to grey-green in color.

### Flowers

![Hoodia gordonii in bloom](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-flowers.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii in bloom.*

The flowers are star-shaped and can be purple or brown, often resembling a corpse flower.

![Hoodia gordonii before bloom](/assets/blog/hoodia-gordonii/hoodia-gordonii-before-bloom.jpg)
*Hoodia gordonii is such a striking plant, even before it blooms—the OG Ozempic. (Just kidding! Please don’t eat my hoodias. Even though Google seems fixated on its hunger-quelling reputation, it’s best enjoyed for its beauty and fragrant flowers.)*

## How to Care for Hoodia Gordonii

### Light

Hoodia requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

### Watering

Hoodia can survive with minimal water but still requires some for healthy growth. Underwatering can lead to wilting and brown spots, while overwatering can cause root rot. Many people mistakenly overwater their plants, thinking they are not providing enough moisture.
To maintain a healthy plant, water only when the soil is completely dry, soaking the soil thoroughly and allowing it to dry out again before the next watering.

### Soil

Choosing the right soil for your Namib desert plant is essential—think of it like finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion! To ensure your plant thrives, use [a specialized succulent potting mix](https://amzn.to/41eL9rQ). It’s crafted with five natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to support strong root development and healthy growth.


### Temperature

Ideal temperatures range from 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C).

### Humidity

Hoodia prefers low humidity environments.

### Fertilizing

When fertilizing hoodia, less is more. Over-fertilizing can make the plant leggy and weak. A small dose of NPK fertilizer in spring, around 5-10-5 with more phosphorus than nitrogen, is perfect for supporting healthy growth. Opt for a natural fertilizer for the best results.

### Pruning

Prune dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth.

### Repotting

Repot every few years or when the plant outgrows its container.

### Dormancy

Hoodia goes dormant in the winter; reduce watering during this time.

### Pests and Diseases

Watch for mealybugs and root rot; treat promptly if detected.

## Is Hoodia Gordonii Toxic to Pets?

Hoodia Gordonii is considered non-toxic to pets.

## How to Propagate Hoodia Gordonii

Propagation is typically done through cuttings or seeds.

## Where Can I Buy Hoodia Gordonii?

Hoodia can be purchased at specialty plant nurseries or online.

## FAQ

- **Q: How often should I water Hoodia Gordonii?**
  - A: Water only when the soil is completely dry.

- **Q: How do you use Hoodia Gordonii?**
  - A: Hoodia is typically used as a supplement in capsule or tablet form, to suppress appetite.


Kalahari Cactus 'Hoodia gordonii'


Are you looking for crochet succulent ideas? If so, you've come to the right place! 

If succulents have been hard to grow, you might be interested in these crochet succulent ideas.

In this article, we'll explore some creative crochet amigurumi succulent ideas.

## Contents

## Kit: Beginner Crochet Patterns from Amazon

My first ever crochet pattern was [a succulent pattern from Amazon](https://amzn.to/4iorrjB). I was so excited to find a crochet pattern for a succulent that I could grow indoors.

![Succulent Crochet Pattern](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/amazon.png)
*[The kit I bought from Amazon](https://amzn.to/4iorrjB)*

This kit is a great way to get started with crochet succulents. It has two pamphlets: one for the basic crochet stitches and one for the succulent patterns. From the kit, I got to learn the basic crochet stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet, magic loop!

Check out my first succulent crochet pattern using this kit!

![My Work](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/amazon-my-work.jpg)
*My first succulent crochet pattern*

## Website: Planet June

[Planet June](https://www.planetjune.com/) is a crochet pattern shop that sells crochet patterns for amigurumi and other crochet projects. I found the crocheter June also has [patterns for succulents](https://www.planetjune.com/blog/succulent-collection-crochet-patterns/).

![Planet June](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/planetjune.png)

## Book: Crocheted Succulents

I also found a book called [Crocheted Succulents](https://amzn.to/4f2deWB). This book has 25 crochet patterns for succulents.

![Book: Crocheted Succulents](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/crocheted-succulent.jpg)
*The book*

![Small cactus leaf pattern from the book](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/small-leaf.jpg)
*A small cactus leaf pattern from the book*

## Kit: Woobles Crochet

Woobles Crochet is a crochet pattern shop that sells crochet patterns for amigurumi and other crochet projects. I love Woobles, because they are designed to be beginner-friendly. The yarns are high quality and easy to work with. They are also a little expensive.

They have [succulent patterns](https://thewoobles.com/products/prickle-your-fancy-bundle).

![Woobles](/assets/blog/crochet-succulent-ideas/woobles.png)
*The Woobles shop*

## Conclusion

I hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Also, if you have any crochet succulent ideas, please share them with me!

Crochet Succulent Ideas

In September 2024, I took my parents on a trip to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, China. As part of our trip, we visited the Dounan Flower Market (斗南花卉市场), the largest flower market in Asia! An interesting fact about Yunnan is that its climate is perfect for cultivation, making Kunming home to the largest flower and succulent market in the world!

The market occupies a gigantic warehouse. The first floor featured an impressive array of flowers, including roses, orchids, and bonsai. I was amazed. However, when we reached the second floor, my jaw literally dropped.

Having visited succulent markets around the world, I can say that Dounan is on a whole different level. It dwarfs any other place I’ve been to, both in terms of size and variety. The sheer scale, number of merchants, and range of succulents were truly astounding. Even more incredible was the price—sometimes as low as 10 RMB (1.5 USD) for six pots of succulents!

Below are some photos I took at Dounan. Enjoy!

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 1](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-1.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 2](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-2.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 3](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-3.jpg)
*The sign says, "10 RMB (1.5 USD) for six pots of succulents"*

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 4](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-4.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 5](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-5.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 6](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-6.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 7](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-7.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 9](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-9.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 10](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-10.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 11](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-11.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 12](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-12.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 13](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-13.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 14](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-14.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 15](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-15.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 16](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-16.jpg)

![Succulents at Dounan Flower Market 17](/assets/blog/dounan-biggest-succulent-market/photo-17.jpg)


Dounan Flower Market: Biggest Succulent Market in the World


![Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Queen of the Night)](/assets/blog/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/tan-hua.jpeg)

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Dutchman's pipe cactus, Princess of the Night, or Queen of the Night, is a cactus species native to Mexico and Nicaragua. It is a tropical epiphyte to lithophyte, meaning it grows on the surface of other plants and derives nutrients from rain, air, and debris. This cactus blooms nocturnally, with flowers that wilt before dawn, and is the most cultivated species in its genus.

## Quick Facts

- **Native Habitat**: Mexico, Nicaragua
- **Family**: Cactaceae
- **Water**: Soak the soil completely when watering and water frequently, letting the top of the soil dry out between watering.
- **Sunlight**: Partial shade or bright, indirect light
- **Soil**: Well-draining, average succulent/cactus soil mix

## Contents

## Why it is called Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

The name "Epiphyllum oxypetalum" comes from Greek and Latin roots. "Epiphyllum" is derived from the Greek words "epi-" meaning "upon" and "phullon" meaning "leaf," referring to the plant's habit of growing on other plants. "Oxypetalum" is from the Greek "oxy-" meaning "sharp" or "acute" and "petalum" meaning "petal," referring to the shape of its petals.

The Chinese name for the plant is 昙花 (tan hua). It is sometimes referred to by this name, particularly as mentioned in the popular movie based on the book *Crazy Rich Asians*. 


![Epiphyllum oxypetalum is featured in a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians.](/assets/blog/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/crazy-rich-asians-flower.jpg)
*Epiphyllum oxypetalum is featured in a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians.*

![Epiphyllum oxypetalum is featured in a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians.](/assets/blog/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/movie-flower.jpg)
*Epiphyllum oxypetalum is featured in a scene from the movie Crazy Rich Asians.*

In Chinese, there is a phrase called 昙花一现 (tán huā yī xiàn), meaning "a fleeting glimpse of a flower" or "something that is beautiful but short-lived." This phrase is often used to describe something that appears briefly and then disappears, much like the night-blooming flowers of the Queen of the Night cactus.

## The Appearance of Epiphyllum oxypetalum

### Leaves

![Leaves of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum](/assets/blog/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/flowers-and-leaves.jpg)

There are no true leaves, but flattened stems that can be easily rooted.

### Flowers

The Queen of the Night is a night-blooming cactus that blooms once per year, reaching full bloom around midnight and typically lasting only that one night. The flowers are white, huge, showy, and fragrant. If pollinated, the flowers are followed by 5-inch long, oblong, purple/red fruits. A mature plant can produce flowers from spring through mid-summer.

This behavior is an example of a [**pollination syndrome**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination_syndrome).

A **pollination syndrome** occurs when a plant co-evolves with its primary pollinators in a way that increases the likelihood of successful pollination. The Queen of the Night’s main pollinators are bats, which explains why it blooms at night when its pollinators are active. The large, white, disc-shaped flowers are more attractive to bats. Interestingly, multiple plants bloom on the same night each year, though it is not known how this synchronization occurs.

The flowers grow on flattened stems and are up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 17 cm (7 in) wide.

## How to Care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum

### Light

Give this plant partial shade or bright, indirect light.

### Watering

Soak the soil completely when watering and water frequently, letting the top of the soil dry out between watering. Cut down on watering during the winter to 1-2 times per month.

### Soil

Provide a well-draining, average succulent/cactus soil mix.

### Temperature

Bring inside when temperatures cool to the mid-30s. It can be grown as an outdoor tropical plant in zones 10 and 11. In cooler zones, it can be placed outdoors during the summer months, then brought in as the temperatures drop.

### Humidity

Ensure moderate humidity levels typical of rainforest settings.

### Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.

### Pruning

Trim the long stems back if the plant becomes top-heavy, ensuring stability in its container.

### Repotting

Repot into a larger or heavier container as needed to maintain stability.

### Dormancy

Reduce watering in winter to 1-2 times per month.

### Pests and Diseases

Watch for common pests like mealybugs and aphids. Treat as necessary with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

## Is Epiphyllum oxypetalum Toxic to Pets?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is generally considered non-toxic to pets.

## How to Propagate Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Propagate by taking stem cuttings, allowing them to dry for a day or two, then planting in a well-draining soil mix.

## Where Can I Buy Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum can be purchased from various online plant retailers, specialty cactus and succulent nurseries, and sometimes at local garden centers.

## FAQ

### How often does Epiphyllum oxypetalum bloom?

**A:** It typically blooms from spring through mid-summer, with flowers opening only once, at night, and lasting only that one night.

### Can Epiphyllum oxypetalum be grown indoors?

**A:** Yes, it can be grown indoors in a bright, indirect light setting.

### Is Epiphyllum oxypetalum edible?
**A:** Epiphyllum oxypetalum is edible and has medicinal uses. In various Asian cultures, including India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, it is used to treat respiratory issues, bleeding conditions, and is believed to help reduce pain and inflammation.

## References

* [North Carolina State University - Epiphyllum oxypetalum](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/)
* [RWW Greenhouse - The Queen of the Night](https://rwwgreenhouse.voices.wooster.edu/the-queen-of-the-night/)
* [Wikipedia - Epiphyllum oxypetalum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphyllum_oxypetalum)


Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Queen of the Night)


## Quick Facts
* **Location**: The room of Estufa Doce of Estufa Fria, inside Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon, Portugal
* **Hours**: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Winter), 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Summer)
* **Cost**: Approximately 3 Euros
* **Kid Friendly**: Yes
* **Dog Allowed**: No
* **Accessibility**: Yes

## Contents

## About Estufa Fria and Estufa Doce

Estufa Fria is a beautiful greenhouse complex located in Parque Eduardo VII in Lisbon, Portugal. It consists of three different environments: 

* Cold Greenhouse (Estufa Fria)
* Hot Greenhouse (Estufa Quente)
* Sweet Greenhouse (*Estufa Doce*)

Estufa Quente and Estufa Doce bring more exotic plants to Lisbon (mangifera, cacti, aloe), whereas the main garden focuses on camellia and azalea species. The three gardens cover a surface area of 3.7 acres! Each showcases a variety of plants from different climates. 

Out of the three sections, Estufa Doce can be seen as the smallest. It transposes you to a desert filled with all types of tall cacti and aloe plants. The trek is short, but it does really make you feel small and lost through some desert riddled with nature.

Note, when you are on the ground floor of the greenhouse, it may be hard to find the entrance to Estufa Doce. There is a ramp on the wall leading to Estufa Doce, which is located on a higher level of the greenhouse.


## Visiting Estufa Fria in 2024

I visited Estufa Fria in July 2024 while visiting Lisbon. Parque Eduardo VII is a quiet and spacious park without much tourism, and Estufa Fria is at a corner of Parque Eduardo VII.

![Crinum Moorei](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/crinum-moorei.jpg)
*Crinum Moorei, aka Natal Lily, I discovered in Estufa Fria. They are so beautiful*

As I enjoy many kinds of plants, succulents have always been the ones I wanted to see the most. The common succulents like aloes and cacti are arranged in captivating ways, such as being displayed on the wall.

![Estufa Fria](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/main-view.jpg)

To my disappointment, there were no Living Stones in this greenhouse, like Lithops or Conophytum.

![Aloe](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/aloe.jpg)
*Aloe*

![Crown of Thorns](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/crown-of-thorns.jpg)
*Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)*

![Pachypodium](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/pachypodium.jpg)
*Pachypodium*

![Crown of Thorns](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/crown-of-thorns-2.jpg)
*Crown of Thorns*

![Cereus](/assets/blog/estufa-fria-lisbon/cereus.jpg)
*Cereus*

## Conclusion

Estufa Fria is a pretty cool place to visit. The atmosphere is great for dating, meeting friends, and taking photos. Although Estufa Doce has lots of succulents, the lack of the rosette-type succulents (such as Echeveria) and living stones (such as Lithops) may disappoint succulent enthusiasts.

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