Introduction
Kadupul Flower, scientifically known as Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is often called the “Queen of the Night” due to its extraordinary nature. It blooms only at night and withers before dawn, making it one of the rarest and most mysterious flowers on Earth. Found mostly in Sri Lanka and parts of India, this flower has fascinated botanists, flower enthusiasts, and collectors worldwide.
In this blog, we will explore everything about Kadupul Flower—from how to cultivate it, its health benefits, to the potential profits from growing this rare bloom.
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What is Kadupul Flower?
Kadupul is a species of cactus, an epiphytic succulent that typically grows on trees rather than soil. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, especially where humidity is high but direct sunlight is limited. Its stunning white flowers bloom only at night, releasing a sweet fragrance, and then fade by morning, making it almost impossible to harvest commercially.
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How to Cultivate Kadupul Flower
Climate and Location
Ideal in tropical to subtropical zones with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C.
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded areas since direct sunlight can harm the plant.
Needs humidity but should be protected from waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
Requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost works well to maintain moisture without waterlogging.
Planting Method
Propagated by cuttings: take healthy stem segments of about 15-20 cm.
Plant cuttings horizontally or slightly buried in soil.
Water lightly after planting.
Watering
Moderate watering is essential. Keep soil moist but never soggy.
Reduce watering during winter or dry spells.
Fertilization
Use organic compost or balanced NPK fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
Pest Management
Generally pest-resistant but occasionally susceptible to mealybugs or aphids.
Use neem oil or organic insecticides for control.
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Health Benefits of Kadupul Flower
Although Kadupul Flower is primarily valued for its rarity and beauty, it has some traditional medicinal uses:
Used in folk medicine for respiratory problems and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Thought to have calming effects, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
Contains antioxidants that may promote skin health and overall wellness.
Note: Scientific studies on Kadupul’s health benefits are limited, so it should be used cautiously and not as a substitute for medical treatment.
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Profit Potential: Is Kadupul Flower Cultivation Profitable?
The Rarity Factor
Kadupul Flower’s rarity makes it extremely valuable among collectors and luxury event planners, with individual flowers sometimes fetching symbolic prices of ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 ($250 to $625) each. However, its ephemeral bloom and delicate nature create challenges for large-scale commercial cultivation.
Cost Breakdown (Approximate)
Expense Cost (₹) Cost (USD)
Cuttings and planting ₹5,000 $62.50
Soil and fertilizers ₹3,000 $37.50
Water and maintenance ₹2,000 $25.00
Pest control ₹1,000 $12.50
Miscellaneous tools ₹2,000 $25.00
Total Cost ₹13,000 $162.50
Potential Revenue
Assuming 50 plants producing 2 flowers each per year = 100 flowers.
At ₹20,000 ($250) per flower, total revenue = ₹20,00,000 ($25,000) annually.
Profit Estimate
Revenue: ₹20,00,000 ($25,000)
Expenses: ₹13,000 ($162.50)
Estimated Profit: ₹19,87,000 ($24,837.50) per year
Challenges to Consider
Flowers bloom at night and perish quickly, complicating harvesting and transportation.
Market demand is niche and requires targeted marketing and clientele.
The time from planting to first bloom can be 1-2 years.
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Conclusion
Kadupul Flower is more than just a plant—it’s a botanical wonder that captivates with its beauty and rarity. While the cultivation is challenging and requires patience, the high market value offers a lucrative opportunity for dedicated growers. Its subtle health benefits add to its charm, though these should be viewed as complementary to traditional medicine.
If you are a flower enthusiast or an entrepreneur looking for a unique niche, Kadupul Flower cultivation might just be the perfect choice!