The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Epiphyllum is a genus of tropicalsucculentsoften referred to as orchid cacti or climbing cacti.
There are over a dozen species and many associated hybrids of varying shapes and sizes.
They usually have long, flat, non-spiny, and trailing stems.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
They absorb the moisture and nutrients they need from the humid environment around them.
In a garden landscape, the trailing stems of orchid cacti look good in hanging baskets.
Despite their common name, they don’t like full sun and dry air likenormal cactispecies.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Epiphyllums do best in warm, humid, and shady spots that replicate their tropical forest natural habitat.
This makes them a good choice as an easy-to-grow, slow-growingbathroom plant.
They like similar conditions toorchidsandbromeliads.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Grown outdoors, they should have protection from strong winds and ample air circulation.
Outdoors, growing in a hanging basket in the shade of a tree works well.
If your plant is getting too much light, it can cause wilted growth and yellowing.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Leggy, delicate growth can be a result of too little light.
Soil
Your epiphyllum shouldn’t be grown directly in the ground.
Stick with a loose, fast-draining potting mix with additional light and porous materials to promote drainage.
Photography by Alexandra Rudge / Getty Images
An azalea mix with addedperlite, bark, cocoa chips, or pumice can work well.
Water
Getting the balance right with water is the key to successful growth.
Unlike their traditional cacti relatives, orchid cacti need regular watering during the growing season.
The potting mix should be moist but not soggy.
Ideally, you want the top 1/3 of the potting mix to dry out before rewatering.
In winter, reduce watering and move the plant to a cooler location.
This will help produce healthy, large flowers the next season.
Using distilled or filtered water instead of tap water is beneficial for these sensitive plants.
They won’t survive in frosty conditions or when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures from around 50 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal and away from radiators and cold draughts.
When the buds of the blooms appear, move to the warmer location again.
Epiphyllums need higher humidity to thrive.
However, because they grow naturally in an environment with low nutrient levels, be careful not to overfeed.
A 2-10-10 tool in early spring can help to encourage healthy blooms.
Use the cuttings to propagate new plants.
New shoots usually grow behind the cut.
If you cut numerous stems, your plant won’t need as much water.
When you repot, do it after they have flowered to minimize root disturbance.
Selecting a heavy container will help to keep the plant stable as the trailing stems grow.
Common Pests
Serious pests and diseases aren’t something that often bothers epiphyllums.
However, keep an eye out for peskymealybugs,aphids,fungus gnats, andred spider mites.
How to Get Orchid Cacti to Bloom
This genus is famous for its large,fragrant flowers.
However, most of the main species only produce short-lived, white flowers that bloom at night.
Flowers range from 1 to 12 inches in size and can bloom from just one night to a week.
The smaller flowers tend to last longer.
Depending on the variety, starting flowering times can vary from April to July.
Occasionally, off-season blooming occurs in early spring and fall.
Wait for the flower buds to form and then return the plant to its normal, warmer location.
Epiphyllum are long-lived and can provide interest for many years with the right growing conditions.
Just be careful with your watering schedule, sunlight, and temperatures.
The small fruit of many epiphyllum species is edible.
It’s said to be similar to that of the pitahaya (dragon fruit), a closely-related plant.
Orchid cactus - epiphyllums.Ag - Community Horticulture/Landscape.
Published online June 11, 2018.
