Epiphyllum

This popular group consists of 16 species of epiphytic cacti, which are found in jungles from Mexico to northern South America. Commonly known as Orchid Cacti and Strap Cacti, these succulents bear gorgeous blossoms along their flat, scalloped-edged, leaf-like stems. These plants are excellent for hanging baskets because their long, pendulous stems grow over the edges of the container. In their native habitats, these epiphytes hang from the trees and can reach a length of up to 200 feet! Most of the true species of Epiphyllum produce large, white flowers, but numerous hybrids have been created by crossing with other mostly epiphytic cacti to increase longevity, size and colors of flowers. The flowers average 5 to 8 inches across, but the largest can be up to 15 inches. The colors depend on the environmental conditions. Small, green or red fruits follow the blossoms. The flower color of some the species and hybrids will be mentioned below in the varieties section.

Pot Cultivation

These plants will not survive frost and need warmth and humidity, but not extreme heat. They require a minimum temperature of about 50� F and prefer a day temp. between 68� and 72� F. Grow them in rich, porous, sandy soil in bright, filtered light and feed every two weeks, from April to August, with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Let their soil dry out between waterings. In the winter, keep the soil fairly dry and do not fertilize to allow a rest.

Propagation

These cacti may be grown from seed or cuttings. Cuttings should be taken of the hybrids. Seeds can be sown in the spring or summer in well-drained pots of sandy soil that are half-filled with crocks. Make sure the surface is evenly smooth and sow the seeds thinly on top. Cover them with a bit of fine soil. Moisten and lay a piece of glass across the top. The pots should be set in a warm greenhouse or sunny window until they start to sprout after which the glass should be removed so they can receive full light and air. It isn't good to keep the glass over the seedlings, so if some of them are up before others, they may be pricked out and placed in another pot. The transplanted seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted after which they can be planted separately in small pots. Stem cuttings, 6 to 8 inches long, can be taken in the spring and laid aside for a couple of hours to allow a protective "skin" to form over the cut. They can then be inserted in pots of sand or very sandy soil. Place them in a spot where they'll receive sun and do not water until the soil becomes fairly dry. After a while the soil can be moistened regularly but never kept constantly saturated. These cuttings should flower in one to two years. In mild climates, cuttings will root if planted directly in soil outside.

Species & Varieties

F - indicates flower color. W - indicates width of flower.
E. anguliger (Fishbone Cactus; Rickrack Orchid Cactus; F-white or cream; W-3"); E. crenatum var. chichicastenango (F-yellow); E. ackermannii (F-red-orange); E. oxypetalum (Dutchman's Pipe); E. strictum; E. chrysocardium.
Hybrids: E. Jennifer Ann (F-bright yellow; W-61/4"); E. Just Pru (F-reddish-orange; W-41/2"); E. King Midas (F-pale orange; W-over 61/4"); E. Reward (F-pale yellow & white; W-61/4"); E. johnsoni (F-dark red) E. Wendy May (F-rosy red; W-3"); E. Lynda Ann (F-pale pink & salmon); E. J.T. Barber (F-light peach); E. Fantasy (F-magenta striped w/ red); E. Fortuna (F-pale salmon); E. Ignescens (F-dark orange); E. Hollywood (F-rosy red).