
For succulent lovers, a succulent-themed wedding is a dream come true. Succulents are known for their ability to thrive in challenging conditions and store water for extended periods, making them a perfect symbol of endurance and longevity for love and commitment.

In this post, I will share some inspiring ideas for succulent weddings to help you plan your special day!

## Contents

## Invitations With Succulent Art
Designing succulent-themed invitations is a fantastic way to set the tone for your wedding.


![Succulent invitation card](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/invitation-card.jpg)
*An example of a Succulent wedding invitation card ([Available on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3rkF8u4))*


## Succulent Venue

Choose a venue that complements your succulent theme. Gardens, greenhouses, or outdoor locations with an abundance of greenery will provide a natural backdrop that showcases your love for succulents.


![Succulent Ceremoy Arch](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/venue.jpg)
*Cactus-Filled Venue (Photo By Jamie English)*

I've curated [a whole list of places with succulents I have visited](/category/place). Check out these venues. For example, Cacti and Succulent House at Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle, Washington offers [wedding rentals](https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/private-rentals) in the greenhouse. 


## Succulent Ceremony Arch

Create a stunning succulent ceremony arch as a focal point for your wedding ceremony.


![Succulent Ceremoy Arch](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/arch.jpg)
*An example of a Succulent Ceremony Arch*


## Succulent Bouquets and Boutonnieres

Incorporate succulents into your bridal bouquet and groom's boutonnieres to add a unique touch.

![Succulent bouquet](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/bouquet.jpg)
*Succulent bouquet ([Photo Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/ddawg6/everyone_posting_their_succulent_bouquets_makes/))*

To make a bouquet with succulents:

- Propagate these succulents early
- Cut the buds so taht they have 1/2" long stem
- Insert the floral wire through the center of the stem
- Wrap the whole bouquetwith floral tape

Don't toss the bouquet after the wedding; instead, plant the succulents in a pot and watch them grow, symbolizing the growth of your marriage.

## Succulent Wedding Centerpieces

Consider succulent centerpieces to adorn your reception tables.

![Succulent centerpiece](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/centerpiece.jpg)


## Succulent Cakes
You can either make succulent like cakes, or decorate your wedding cake with succulents.


![Succulent cupcakes](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/cupcake.jpg)
*Succulent Cupcakes ([Photo Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/cakedecorating/comments/byd5gr/succulent_cupcakes_for_a_wedding/))*

![Succulent decorated cake](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/cake-decorated.jpg)
*Wedding cakes decorated with succulents ([Photo Source](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/145311525460142062/))*


## Succulent Wedding Favors

Show appreciation to your guests with small potted succulents as wedding favors. These living souvenirs are not only eco-friendly but also symbolize the ever-growing love between you and your partner. Your guests will cherish these tokens of your special day for years to come.

### Real Plants

![Succulent Wedding Favors](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/favor.jpg)
*Succulent Wedding Favors ([Photo Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/6i1ppt/succulent_party_favors_i_made_for_my_friends/))*

![Succulent Wedding Favors](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/favor-2.jpg)
*Succulent Wedding Favors ([Photo Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingplanning/comments/9aky7j/succulent_wedding_favours_for_this_saturday/))*

### Succulent Art

![Succulent Crochet Wedding Favors](/assets/blog/the-succulent-themed-wedding/crochet-favor.jpg)
*Succulent Crochet Wedding Favors [Photo Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/crochet/comments/e04c9j/crochet_succulent_planters_to_be_used_as_table/)*

## Preparation for the Succulent Themed Weddings


### Where to Get the Succulents 

To use real succulents for your wedding, you may need hundreds or thousands of succulents. Here are some options:

**Propagate Them Yourself**

One of the remarkable characteristics of succulents is their ability to propagate. You may wonder whether it's possible to propagate succulents before the wedding. Typically, it takes longer than you might expect to propagate them from a leaf into a small succulent rosette. It may take 8 months to a year of proper care to achieve a certain size.

So it may be a challenging task before the wedding.

**Buy in Bulk Online**

Consider purchasing succulents in bulk online from shops on Etsy and other online retailers. This may be a surefire way to acquire a large volume of succulents and alleviate some stress before the wedding.

### What Succulents Can You Use?
Select a variety of succulent species and hybrids to create diversity in your decorations. Common choices include Echeveria, Sedum, and Crassula, but feel free to explore other options to suit your theme.

## Final Words

A succulent-themed wedding offers a unique and enduring way to celebrate your love. From invitations to wedding favors, each element can reflect the beauty and symbolism of succulents. Make your special day truly unforgettable with these succulent-inspired ideas!

The Succulent Themed Wedding


Are you new to succulents? Confused by the jargon used by succulent enthusiasts? Don't worry! This article is for you. I will explain them to you. 

Here are a list of common terms that people mention about succulents.

### Butt ###
It refers to Lithops, a type of succulents, whose apparance looks like a human butt. Yes, it is a funny name, and may be NSFW. 🤣 

Some people also think it looks like a human brain.

![Lithops with looks of human butts](/assets/blog/terms-that-you-should-know-for-growing-succulents/lithops-butt.jpg)
*Do lithops look like butts?*

### Clay Pots ###

A type of pot that is made from clay. Clay pots are commonly used for growing succulents, due to the material's porous nature that regulates soil moisture and prevent over-watering. 

### Cutting ###
A piece of a succulent plant that is cut and used to propagate a new plant. Succulent cuttings are often taken from the stem or leaves of the parent plant, and can be planted in soil or water to develop roots and grow into a new plant.

### Drainage ###
The movement of water through soil, affecting soil aeration and root growth. Most succulents prefer great drainage.

### Dormancy ###
A period of reduced growth or inactivity in a plant, typically during the winter months. During the dormancy, no need to water the succulents.

### Elongate ###
The process of growth and increase in length of stems and leaves, leading to a stretching or lanky appearance. It is caused by insufficient light, improper watering, or high humidity.

Elongation is often an undesired characteristic, as it makes succulents look different from their typical compact looks.

### Offset ###
A small plant that has developed as a vegetative reproduction from a parent plant. It is a clone of the parent plant and often appears as a rosette at the base of the stem or as offsets along the sides of the stem. 

It is also called a pup.

### Pests ###
Organisms that cause harm to plants, such as insects, fungi, and mammals. The most common pests for succulents are mealy bugs. 😱

### Plump ###
An adjective to describe the appearance of the leaves or stems of the plant: full, round, and well-hydrated. This is a desirable characteristic in succulents, as it indicates that the plant is healthy and thriving.


### Propagation ###
The process of producing new plants from existing ones, usually through cuttings or seeds. In another word, propagation is how you make more plants from one plant! 😉

![Propagation with leaf cuttings](/assets/blog/terms-that-you-should-know-for-growing-succulents/propagation.jpg)
*Propagation with leaf cuttings*

### Pumice ###
A type of porous rock that is often used as an ingredient in potting mix or soil. Pumice is valued for its light weight and porous nature, which allows for good aeration and water drainage. So it is perfect for succulent plants.

### Pup ###
A small plant that has developed as a vegetative reproduction from a parent plant. It is a clone of the parent plant and often appears as a rosette at the base of the stem or as offsets along the sides of the stem. 

It is also called an offset.

Succulent pups can be detached from the parent plant and planted individually to form new plants. This is one of the ways to propagate.

![Echeveria fabiola with a pup](/assets/blog/terms-that-you-should-know-for-growing-succulents/echeveria-with-a-pup.jpg)
*Echeveria fabiola with a pup*

### Repotting ### 
The process of transferring a plant to a larger pot, usually when it has outgrown its current container. You usually need to repot your succulents when the root system is too big for the pot.

### Rosette ### 
A circular arrangement of leaves in a plant, often in a symmetrical pattern. 

### Soil ###

The material in which plants grow, consisting of organic matter, minerals, and microorganisms.


Terms That You Should Know For Growing Succulents


Are you searching for gift ideas for someone who loves succulents? 

As a succulent lover myself, I have been collecting these gift ideas. Why? I truly love these things that I mention below. 

Forget all the tools and pots about succulents. I believe these gift ideas will make succulent lovers very happy! Not only that, they will be surprised, because these ideas are quite unique!

## Gift a Plant
It's a no-brainer to give a succulent lover a new plant as they adore having as many plants as possible. Succulents require little care and can continue to thrive, so a succulent pot is an excellent reminder of the significance or purpose behind the gift.

Interestingly, most of my parents' succulents were gifted by their friends. When my parents proudly showed me how well the succulents were growing under their care, they also shared stories about who gifted them the plants.

![My Dad's indoor succulent garden](/assets/blog/gift-ideas-for-succulent-lovers/dad-plants.jpg)
*My Dad's indoor succulent garden. Most of the plants were gifted by friends*

## A Trip to Succulent Garden / Nursery
No matter how many plants a succulent lover has,  it's never enough for them. Why not just let them have them all? Haha. Many places specialize in growing succulents professionally. I've visited several, for example,  the [Succulent Greenhouse inside Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France](/posts/jardin-des-plantes), and the [Arizona Cactus Garden inside Stanford University](/posts/arizona-cactus-garden). 

![Arizona Cactus Garden inside Stanford University](/assets/blog/gift-ideas-for-succulent-lovers/arizona-garden.jpg)
*Cacti and Aloe Vera Inside the Arizona Garden*

I had an extraordinary experience visiting a succulent farm in Beijing, China (watch [the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1LnDy_wBuk) here).

I've compiled [a list of places worldwide that have succulents](/category/place). You can check them out and see which ones are close to you.

Take your succulent loving friend to a place full of succulents. They will appreciate every moment of the visit.

## Succulent Legos

Of course, anything paired with Lego has an added charm. Lego offers a plant series that includes succulents, making it an ideal selection for succulent enthusiasts who are also enthusiastic Lego builders.

![Lego Succulents](/assets/blog/gift-ideas-for-succulent-lovers/lego.jpg)

Included in the set are various succulents such as an Orange Echeveria, an Aloe plant, a Lavender Echeveria, a Moon Cactus, a Ball Cactus, a Burro's Tail, and a Red Echeveria. 

[Echeveria](/posts/echeveria). Cactus. Burro's Tail. These succulent species are real. 

[Order the succulent Lego set here!](https://amzn.to/3L2dB6i)


## Polymer Clay Succulents

On Reddit, I stumbled upon an artist who crafts polymer clay succulents. I was amazed by their lifelike appearance, as it was difficult to distinguish them from real ones.

![Polymer Clay Succulents](/assets/blog/gift-ideas-for-succulent-lovers/polymer.jpg)
*[A beautiful arrangement by FlyBunnyStudio](https://www.inspireuplift.com/Pink-Stash-Box-With-Echeveria-Cuspidata-Var-Gemulla-Arrangement/iu/86820)*

These artificial succulents are ideal for indoor decoration as they can thrive in spaces where real succulents wouldn't survive without adequate sunlight.

Check out the [FlyBunnyStudio](https://www.inspireuplift.com/shop/FlyBunnyStudio).


-----

I hope my recommendations above can help with your gift search for your spefical someone. 

4 Unique Gift Ideas for Succulent Lovers

<p>I love plants and memes! Let's see how these two vibe with each out! 🤣</p>
<p>Here are all the memes I collected from the internet over time:</p>
<h3 id="contents"><a href="#contents" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Contents</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="#so-true-">SO TRUE 😅</a></li>
<li><a href="#vibe-">Vibe 🥹</a></li>
<li><a href="#from-introvert-to-extra-extrovert-">From introvert to extra extrovert 🤣</a></li>
<li><a href="#can-you-relate-">Can you relate? 🤣</a></li>
<li><a href="#every-single-time-">Every single time 😁</a></li>
<li><a href="#iykyk-">IYKYK 🤣</a></li>
<li><a href="#when-someone-asks-me-why-i-have-so-many-succulents">When someone asks me why I have so many succulents</a></li>
<li><a href="#my-husband-can-relate">My husband can relate!</a></li>
</ol>
<h3 id="so-true-"><a href="#so-true-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>SO TRUE 😅</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/plant-store.jpg" alt="My spouse after leaving me unattended in the plant store">
<em>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/ft89l1/so_true/">Reddit</a></em></p>
<h3 id="vibe-"><a href="#vibe-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Vibe 🥹</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/vibe.jpg" alt="plants rlly be like &#x27;I do not vibe with this dirt&#x27; and die">
<em>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/01000010inary/status/1250113249032503298">Twitter</a></em></p>
<h3 id="from-introvert-to-extra-extrovert-"><a href="#from-introvert-to-extra-extrovert-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>From introvert to extra extrovert 🤣</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/tshirt.jpg" alt="Introverted but willing to discuss plants.">
<em>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/b5oekv/introverted_but_willing_to_discuss_plants/">Reddit</a></em></p>
<h3 id="can-you-relate-"><a href="#can-you-relate-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Can you relate? 🤣</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/water-plants.png" alt="Houseplants: “you watered me on Sunday versus Saturday so now I must die”">
<em>Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ashleymayer/status/1122557332959965186">Twitter</a></em></p>
<h3 id="every-single-time-"><a href="#every-single-time-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>Every single time 😁</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/cutting.jpg" alt="Me takes a cutting">
<em>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/hch8tz/every_single_time/">Reddit</a></em></p>
<h3 id="iykyk-"><a href="#iykyk-" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>IYKYK 🤣</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/checking.jpg" alt="What my plants see when I check if any new babies are comming in.">
<em>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/houseplants/comments/127yf7q/_/">Reddit</a></em></p>
<h3 id="when-someone-asks-me-why-i-have-so-many-succulents"><a href="#when-someone-asks-me-why-i-have-so-many-succulents" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>When someone asks me why I have so many succulents</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/neglect-succulents.jpg" alt="When someone asks me why I have so many succulents">
<em>Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/7wsaum/when_someone_asks_me_why_i_have_so_many_succulents/">Reddit</a></em></p>
<h3 id="my-husband-can-relate"><a href="#my-husband-can-relate" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><span class="icon icon-link"></span></a>My husband can relate!</h3>
<p><img src="/assets/blog/meme-ingful-plants-the-best-plant-memes-we-could-dig-up/wife-buying-plants.jpg" alt="wife-buying-plants.jpg"></p>


The Best Plant Memes On the Internet

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 (斗南花卉市场): Biggest Succulent Market in the world (Kunming, China)


![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.

Greenhouse at Estufa Fria (Lisbon, Portugal)


## Quick Facts
* **Location**: 北京市海淀区香山南辛村20号（南园）
* **Hours**:6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
* **Cost**: 10 RMB for visting both north and south parks of the China National Botanical Garden. The succulent greenhouse is inside the south park of the garden.
* **Kid Friendly**: Yes
* **Dog Allowed**: Not sure
* **Accessibility**: Not sure

## Contents

I found a huge collection of succulents in one of the rooms of the greenhouse at South Garden in the China National Botanical Garden.

## About South Garden

The Beijing Botanical Garden of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, also known as South Garden, is a key base for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of germplasm resources in northern China.

The garden features nine specialized plant exhibition areas, including a perennial flower garden, a rare and endangered plant area, and a greenhouse displaying tropical and subtropical plants. It collects and preserves over 7,000 species of plants.

The seed bank, built from some of the introduced seeds, now houses more than 83,000 seeds from over 20,000 species, making it the second-largest in the world by quantity.

## About the Exhibition Greenhouse

The greenhouse comprises nine exhibition rooms: the Four Seasons Flower Hall, Palm House, Shade-loving Plants Room, Gymnosperm Room, Carnivorous Plants Room, Fruit Trees Room, Succulent Plants Room, Aquatic Plants Room, and the Bodhi Room. It exhibits more than 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including cultivated varieties.

The greenhouse displays not only national gift plants related to China's diplomacy, such as the Bodhi tree, but also rare plants collected by researchers from abroad, like the red-skinned baobab and the beautiful deer antler fern. The Aquatic Plants Room offers year-round viewing of water lilies and the giant leaves of Victoria water lilies.

## History 

I grew up in Beijing but only learned about the China National Botanical Garden in 2022.

As a child, this garden was known as Xiang Shan Botanical Garden or Beijing Botanical Garden, a favorite destination for school field trips, including mine.

The name China National Botanical Garden emerged in 2022 when both South Garden (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and North Garden (Beijing Botanical Garden) united to form the China National Botanical Garden.

## Visiting China National Botanical Garden in 2024

In July 2024, I visited South Garden for the first time with my aunt. I was amazed by the variety and quality of succulents in the succulent rooms within the greenhouse. For instance, I had never seen a greenhouse with large clusters of lithops before. This greenhouse presented massive clusters of various lithops species, a sight that must have taken years to cultivate.

### Lithops

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-collection.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-1.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-2.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-3.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-4.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-5.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-6.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-7.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-8.jpg)

![Lithops](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/lithops-9.jpg)

### Conophytum 

![Conophytum](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/conophytum-1.jpg)


### Haworthia

![Haworthia](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/haworthia-1.jpg)

![Haworthia](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/haworthia-2.jpg)

![Haworthia](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/haworthia-3.jpg)
*[Haworthia Truncata](/posts/haworthia-truncata)*

### Cacti

![Cactus](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/cactus-1.jpg)

![Cactus](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/cactus-2.jpg)

### Others

![Echeveria 'Rain Drops'](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/other-1.jpg)
[Echeveria](/posts/echeveria) 'Rain Drops'

![Other](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/other-2.jpg)
*Lophophora williamsii*

![Aloe Vera](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/other-3.jpg)
Aloe Vera

![Other](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/other-4.jpg)

![Aloinopsis Schooneesii](/assets/blog/china-national-botanical-garden/other-5.jpg)
*[Aloinopsis Schooneesii](/posts/aloinopsis-schooneesii)*

## Conclusion
Besides succulents, there are many impressive plants in the greenhouse as well as in both the South and North Parks. If you are ever in Beijing, China, make sure to visit this garden!


## Special Note

Please note that all the photos are copyrighted. If you wish to use any of them, please contact me.

The Best Plant Memes On the Internet

Contents

SO TRUE 😅

Vibe 🥹

From introvert to extra extrovert 🤣

Can you relate? 🤣

Every single time 😁

IYKYK 🤣

When someone asks me why I have so many succulents

My husband can relate!

Grace

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