Unveiling the Magic of the Kadupul Flower
If you are looking for a plant with genuine, almost mythical allure, look no further than the Kadupul flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum). While commonly known worldwide as the "Queen of the Night," in its native Sri Lanka, it holds a particularly revered position.
The Kadupul is not just a beautiful bloom; it is one of nature’s most spectacular, and heartbreakingly brief, performances.
A Midnight Spectacle
Unlike most flowers that greet the morning sun, the Kadupul is fiercely nocturnal. Its buds, delicate and tightly furled during the day, begin their slow, dramatic unfurling only after darkness falls. This process is so captivating that enthusiasts often hold midnight vigils just to witness the event.
As the petals open, they reveal a dazzling, pure white flower that can span up to 10 inches across. But perhaps its most remarkable trait is its fragrance—a powerful, intoxicating perfume that fills the entire garden, described as a blend of jasmine, lily, and citrus.
A Fleeting Moment of Perfection
Herein lies the Kadupul’s magic and its profound lesson in impermanence: it is the most expensive flower in the world, not due to rarity (it grows well in tropical climates globally), but because of its utter impossibility to harvest or sell.
The flower reaches its peak perfection shortly after midnight, and as soon as the first rays of dawn touch its delicate structure, it wilts completely. By sunrise, the glorious scent and pristine beauty are gone, leaving only a memory until the next bloom.
Cultivating the Queen
If you wish to grow this ephemeral queen, it is relatively straightforward. Kadupul is a type of cactus that enjoys humid, tropical conditions. It thrives in partial shade and needs well-draining soil.
To witness the miracle of the Kadupul is a truly unique experience—a fleeting blast of beauty and scent that reminds us that the most precious moments are often the ones we can never truly hold onto.