Under Construction

Plant Care
The Epiphyllum spp. Plant Care Instruction has been successfully copied to your clipboard. Go to plant list and paste it.
Plant Care
You have successfully used the Epiphyllum spp. Plant Care Instruction.
Back
Steve Brigham
Plant Care Guide
Epiphyllum spp.

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp. )

Climbing Cactusorchid Cactus

Click HERE to see the plant details, or save notes for this plant.

  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

For most gardeners, the name "epiphyllum" (or simply "epi") refers to the many modern "Orchid Cactus" hybrids with large, colorful blooms in spring (most are only distantly related, if at all, to plants in the genus Epiphyllum). These are tropical cacti with broad, flat "leaves" (actually stems) that grow well in filtered shade in mild-winter climates as long as they are protected from frost; and since they are by nature epiphytes, they thrive in containers. "Epis" are actually quite easy to grow, and their huge flowers are spectacular, especially in the case of the finest modern hybrids.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

January
Protect from frost, which can severely damage plants (some hybrids can even be damaged at 35 degrees F.). If necessary, plants may be brought indoors in winter, as long as they receive bright light and temperatures are not too warm at night.

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
Watch for snails and slugs, which can severely damage plants. Scale and mealybugs can occasionally be a problem.

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?