When I first encountered the Epiphyllum oxypetalum (Queen of the Night) blooming in my neighbor's garden, I was mesmerized by its ethereal beauty. This rare night-blooming cactus produces spectacular white flowers that only open for a single night, making it one of nature's most enchanting displays.
Inspired by this fleeting beauty, I designed this crochet pattern to capture its delicate petals and graceful form in yarn - but unlike its real-life counterpart, your handmade bloom will last forever!
In this detailed tutorial, I'll guide you through creating your own Queen of the Night flower, complete with step-by-step instructions and clear reference photos. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or just starting your journey with botanical crochet, this pattern will help you bring a piece of nocturnal magic into your home. Ready to start this beautiful project together?
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Save this pattern to recreate your own everlasting Queen of the Night bloom - a stunning piece that captures all the magic of the original.
Want to add more blooms to your crochet bouquet? I've got a bunch of free tutorials to help you create all sorts of beautiful flowers! Here is our full crochet flower pattern list (updating weekly).
To ensure you can find the right crochet flower patterns you want quickly, I also did some classification for you, all free!
- Large Crochet Flower Pattern list
- Small Crochet Flower Pattern list
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- Crochet Leaf Pattern List
Crochet Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Flower Meanings & Usage
The Epiphyllum oxypetalum, affectionately known as the Queen of the Night, carries deep symbolic meaning in both Eastern and Western cultures. This enchanting flower represents fleeting beauty, rare moments of joy, and the magic that happens after dark. Its brief blooming period - just one night - has made it a powerful symbol of cherishing precious moments and seizing opportunities.
In bouquets, this majestic bloom often takes center stage as a statement flower, complemented by smaller, delicate flowers that enhance its dramatic presence. Its pure white petals and elegant form make it particularly suitable for wedding arrangements, special celebrations, or as a thoughtful gift for life's meaningful transitions.
I'll never forget the night my grandmother first showed me this flower in her garden. We stayed up until midnight, watching the petals slowly unfold under the moonlight. She told me it symbolizes how the most beautiful things in life often require patience and perfect timing. This memory inspired me to create this crochet version - a way to capture that magical moment forever.
The Queen of the Night makes a particularly meaningful gift for those experiencing important life changes, night shift workers, or anyone who appreciates nature's more mysterious side. In Chinese culture, it's often given as a housewarming gift, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings that blossom even in darkness.
Details of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Flower Crochet Pattern
This intermediate-level pattern is perfect for crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore three-dimensional flower making. While the techniques aren't overly complex, this project requires attention to detail and patience, especially when working with wired petals and assembly.
The magic of this pattern lies in its layered construction, mirroring the real Epiphyllum oxypetalum's intricate structure. Each flower features five distinct layers of petals: 6 inner petals, followed by three layers of 8 petals each, and crowned with delicate stamens. Two carefully shaped leaves complete the realistic appearance. The pattern incorporates wire for stability, allowing you to pose your flower just like the natural bloom.
In nature, Epiphyllum oxypetalum typically appears in pure white with subtle pink tinges, though rare varieties can display hints of yellow or cream. While our pattern stays true to these classic colors, you're welcome to explore different color combinations. Try gentle ombré effects from white to pink, or experiment with seasonal colors like soft lavender or pale peach.
A single finished flower measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter when fully opened, with a stem length of 17.7 inches (45 cm). For a full bouquet, I recommend making 3-5 flowers with varying stages of bloom - from tight buds to fully opened flowers - creating a natural, dynamic arrangement about 12.6 inches (32 cm) in diameter.
Crochet Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Flower Bouquet Kits
Create your own timeless Queen of the Night blooms with our carefully curated kit! Each package includes premium yarns in perfectly matched shades, sturdy wires, and all the essentials to craft these stunning Epiphyllum oxypetalum flowers. Perfect for gifting or adding an enchanting touch to your own space!
Materials Needed
- Yarn – Loopara 4ply combed cotton (White 01, Green 17, Yellow 43, Pink 52, Red 61, and Red 62)
- Hook – 2.3mm
- Flower Rod – 35cm long (No.3)
- Iron Wire – 0.4 diameter
- Hot Melt Adhesive
- Stitch Marker
- Scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch - chain
- sc - single crochet
- hdc - half double crochet
- dc - double crochet
- tr - triple crochet
- inc - increase
- sl - slip stitch
- picot - small decorative loop
Crochet Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Flower Pattern
How to Crochet Petals (Make 30)
First Layer Petals (Make 6)
Round 1: Chain 17.
Round 2: Place wire along chain, 3 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, 3 half double crochet, 4 double crochet, 2 triple crochet, 2 double crochet, 1 half double crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 1 half double crochet, 2 double crochet, 2 triple crochet, 4 double crochet, 3 half double crochet, 3 single crochet, slip stitch, fasten off.
Second Layer Petals (Make 8)
Round 1: Chain 20.
Round 2: Place wire along chain, 3 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, 3 half double crochet, 5 double crochet, 3 triple crochet, 2 double crochet, 2 half double crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 2 half double crochet, 2 double crochet, 3 triple crochet, 5 double crochet, 3 half double crochet, 3 single crochet, slip stitch, fasten off.
Third Layer Petals (Make 8)
Round 1: Chain 25.
Round 2: Place wire along chain, 11 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, 3 half double crochet, 4 double crochet, 3 half double crochet, 2 single crochet, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 2 single crochet, 3 half double crochet, 4 double crochet, 3 half double crochet, 11 single crochet, slip stitch, fasten off.
Fourth Layer Petals (Make 8)
Round 1: Chain 25.
Round 2: Place wire along chain, 23 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, (2 single crochet, picot, 2 single crochet), 23 single crochet, slip stitch, fasten off.
Tips: Keep your tension consistent but not too tight when working with wire. The petals should be firm enough to hold shape but flexible enough to pose. For the most realistic look, use a slightly lighter shade of yarn for the inner petals (first and second layers) and gradually darker shades for outer layers. Save time by making all petals of the same layer at once, assembly-line style. This also helps maintain consistency in size and shape.
How to Make Stamens (Make 8)
Step 1: Cut wire length equal to fourth layer petals.
Step 2: Wrap yarn around middle section for about 1cm.
Step 3: Fold wire and continue wrapping to the desired length.
Tips: Keep your wrapping tension consistent for a smooth, professional finish.
How to Crochet Leaves (Make 2)
Round 1: Chain 29, place wire along chain, 27 single crochet in 2nd chain from hook, 3 single crochet in next stitch, 27 single crochet, slip stitch, chain 1.
Round 2: [Single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, increase in triple crochet, chain 3, slip stitch in next stitch] repeat 4 times, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, (double crochet, half double crochet), 3 single crochet in next stitch, (half double crochet, double crochet), double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet, [single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, increase in triple crochet, chain 3, slip stitch in next stitch] repeat 4 times, slip stitch, fasten off.
Tips: When adding wire, center it precisely along your chain - this ensures your leaf will be perfectly balanced and won't curl to one side. Keep your tension slightly tighter when working the edges (the repeat sections) to create natural-looking leaf texture.
How to Make a Flower Center (Make 1)
Step 1: Wrap yarn around three fingers 10 times.
Step 2: Tie middle section tightly with thin wire.
Step 3: Cut open the loops and trim to shape.
Tips: Keep your finger wrapping loose enough to slide off easily, but tight enough to maintain consistent loop size. Don't trim all strands to exactly the same length - vary the lengths slightly for a more natural, fluffy appearance.
Crochet Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Flower Assemble
Step 1. Begin by arranging the first layer of petals around the flower center. Add large petals and stamens in sequence.
Step 2. Add petals one by one, keeping the front side facing up. Wrap green yarn after each petal.
Step 3. Keep root speacing even. Pay attention to the petal orientation and maintain consistent height. Adjust petal positions as you assemble.
Step 4. After all petals are placed, continue wrapping the flower base for about 2cm. Insert stem wire and wrap for approximately 10cm.
Step 5. Add leaves and continue wrapping to the bottom of the stem, secure with glue.
Tips: Before starting assembly, organize your petals by layer and arrange them in a circle to visualize the final placement. This helps maintain even spacing. Create natural depth by angling each layer of petals slightly differently - inner layers more upright, outer layers more open.
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What’s Next?
Just finished crafting your own Queen of the Night bloom? We'd love to see your creation in our growing community of botanical crocheters! Pin your work on Pinterest, showcase your beautiful flower on Instagram using #EpiphyllumCrochet, share your journey on Twitter, or inspire fellow crafters with your process photos on Facebook. Don't forget to tag us - we're always excited to see how you personalize the pattern and add your own creative touches. Every share helps inspire others to discover the joy of creating these magical blooms!
