Looking to add something truly special to your flower collection or garden? Meet Oxypetalum- a plant that brings a soft, dreamy charm with its star-shaped blooms and gentle colors. Whether you're a flower lover or a casual gardener, Oxypetalum is one of those hidden gems that’s easy to grow and even easier to love.
Let’s explore what makes these blooms stand out, the key types you should know about, and how to care for them so they keep shining.
What Is Oxypetalum?
Oxypetalum is a group of flowering plants often referred to as star flowers or butterfly flowers, thanks to their delicate shape and airy petals. Most people recognise them by their soft blue hue, although they also come in white and pink varieties. These are one of the world’s most beautiful and rare flowers, and are often featured in bouquets or cultivated as part of ornamental gardens.
Interestingly, the name “Oxypetalum” refers to more than one kind of flower. While the true Oxypetalum comes from the Apocynaceae family, one famous cousin comes from the cactus family and blooms only at night.
Key Types of Oxypetalum
Here’s a closer look at the two main types you’ll want to know:
1. Oxypetalum Coeruleum
This is the classic starflower most people are familiar with. Native to South America, Oxypetalum coeruleum grows in small clusters with sky-blue petals shaped like tiny stars. It's lightweight, airy, and perfect for softening floral arrangements.
Notable Traits:
- Pale blue flowers with a subtle shimmer
- Long-lasting and great for cutting
- Also comes in white (‘Alba’) and pink (‘Rosea’) cultivars
These are especially popular in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and spring garden beds.
2. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum
This one’s a little different, but no less stunning. Known as the Queen of the Night, this cactus species doesn’t bloom often, but when it does, it puts on a show.
Notable Traits:
- Large, white, heavily fragrant flowers
- Blooms only at night and wilts by morning
- Often grown indoors or in shaded garden corners
This type is less about subtle charm and more about making a dramatic impression, making it perfect for those who love a plant with a bit of mystery.
Choosing the Right Oxypetalum
Are you unsure which Oxypetalum is right for you? Here are six simple things to consider before you choose:
1. Think About When You Want It to Bloom
If you're after a flower that blooms in the daytime and lasts longer, Oxypetalum coeruleum is your best bet. Prefer something rare and dramatic that blooms at night? Go for Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Queen of the Night.
2. Consider Where You’ll Grow It
For outdoor gardens or balcony pots, Oxypetalum coeruleum does well in sunny spots and mild weather. If you're growing indoors or in shaded areas, especially in warmer climates, Epiphyllum oxypetalum thrives better as it's part of the cactus family.
3. Check How Much Maintenance You’re Willing to Do
Want something low-fuss with regular, small blooms? Coeruleum is pretty hands-off. If you're more of a plant enthusiast and enjoy the suspense of rare blooms, Epiphyllum oxypetalum will reward your patience with some care and attention.
Learning how to care for flowers like these can make all the difference in keeping them healthy and blooming.
4. Match the Color to Your Aesthetic
If your vibe is light, airy, and pastel, the soft blue, pink, or white shades of Oxypetalum coeruleum are perfect. For a more dramatic or elegant style, the large white blooms of Epiphyllum oxypetalum create a stunning contrast, especially at night.
5. Think About Scent
Want your flowers to smell as good as they look? Epiphyllum oxypetalum offers a strong, sweet fragrance when it blooms. If you're sensitive to scent or want something neutral for a bouquet, Oxypetalum coeruleum has little to no smell.
6. Choose Based on Occasion or Purpose
Need a flower that lasts in bouquets and arrangements? Oxypetalum coeruleum is florist-approved for weddings and gifts. Looking to grow something unique and memorable as a conversation piece? The Queen of the Night will do just that.
If you’re looking for more options, check out the best flowers for any occasion in Singapore.
Care Tips For Healthy Growth
Both types are relatively easy to care for. Here’s how to keep them happy:
For Oxypetalum Coeruleum:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy
- Soil: Well-draining soil is a must
- Bonus Tip: Pinch the tips to encourage bushier growth
For Epiphyllum Oxypetalum:
- Light: Bright, indirect light (avoid harsh sun)
- Water: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry
- Soil: Use a cactus mix or add sand to your potting soil
- Humidity: Loves a bit of extra humidity, especially in dry climates
Styling Ideas
Oxypetalum flowers can add a graceful touch to any setting. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Add to Wedding Bouquets: The soft blue of Oxypetalum coeruleum adds a dreamy, romantic touch to bridal arrangements.
- Create a Night Garden Centerpiece: Use Epiphyllum oxypetalum blooms as a moonlit highlight for evening garden parties.
- Pair with Whites and Greens: Oxypetalum’s soft colors blend beautifully with white roses, lisianthus, or eucalyptus.
- Float Blooms in Water Bowls: Showcase the unique star shape or night bloom by placing flowers in a shallow glass bowl.
- Use as a Boutonnière Accent: The delicate size and shape of Oxypetalum make it perfect for minimal boutonnières.
- Mix in Modern Arrangements: Combine with bold blooms or sculptural vases for a fresh, contemporary floral display.
Conclusion on Types of Oxypetalum
Oxypetalum might not be the first flower you think of, but once you see its beauty and charm, it’s hard to forget. Whether you’re drawn to the starry sky-blue petals of Oxypetalum coeruleum or the dramatic, fragrant blooms of Epiphyllum oxypetalum, there’s a type for every flower fan.
Easy to grow, easy to style, and always a conversation starter; what’s not to love? Looking to bring home the delicate beauty of Oxypetalum?
Visit Windflower Florist to create a stunning bouquet or find the perfect bloom for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Oxypetalum
Are Oxypetalum Flowers Good for Bouquets?
Yes! Especially Oxypetalum coeruleum, which lasts well when cut and adds a gentle pop of blue.
Does Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Bloom Often?
Not really. It usually blooms once or twice a year, at night, and each bloom lasts only a few hours. But it’s worth the wait!
Can I Grow Oxypetalum Indoors?
Yes. Both types can be grown in pots indoors, as long as they get enough light and proper care.
Is Oxypetalum Fragrant?
Oxypetalum coeruleum has little to no scent, but Epiphyllum oxypetalum is very fragrant, especially at night when it blooms.
What Colors Do Oxypetalum Flowers Come In?
Oxypetalum coeruleum is most known for its soft blue hue, but it also comes in white (‘Alba’) and pink (‘Rosea’) varieties for adding subtle color to arrangements.
