How to Grow and Care for Queen of the night

Josiah Gregg was the first to describe Arizona queen of the night in the mid-19th century and so the cactus was named after him. The common name of this succulent is in reference to the brilliant white flowers that only bloom after the sun sets. In Arizona and New Mexico, arizona queen of the night is considered a vulnerable species.

Peniocereus viperinus is a slender, slow-growing cactus, notable for its elongated stems that mimic the look of entwined snakes. This resemblance offers camouflage in its rocky desert habitat. Its sparse spines and nocturnal white flowers, which bloom under the cover of darkness, further adapt it to arid conditions, conserving water and attracting nighttime pollinators.

Gearstem cactus is a slender cactus with tall, ribbed, and almost vine-like stems, typically growing in arid desert environments. Its nocturnal white flowers bloom infrequently, emitting a sweet fragrance to attract pollinators. Upon pollination, red fruit ensues. Gearstem cactus often emerges from a large subterranean tuber, an adaptation for water storage in its harsh habitat.