Epiphyllum 'Curly Locks' Orchid Cactus

The Epiphyllum 'Curly Locks' Orchid Cactus is a stunning hybrid from the Cactaceae family that breaks all the rules of what people expect from a cactus. Native to Central and South American rainforests where epiphyllums grow on tree branches, this cultivar has been bred for its exceptional foliage. It's an intermediate-level plant that rewards attentive care with dramatic growth. Here's something interesting: despite being called an orchid cactus, it's neither an orchid nor a typical desert cactus, but rather a jungle dweller that has adapted to life in the canopy.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This plant grows with a cascading habit that makes it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves. The stems are flat, ribbon-like, and deeply serrated along the edges, creating that distinctive curly, ruffled appearance that gives this variety its name. Each stem segment is bright green with a slightly glossy surface, and they branch out in an architectural pattern that becomes more impressive as the plant matures. The foliage has a semi-succulent texture that stores water, making it more forgiving than true tropical plants.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are the real showstopper on this plant. They emerge in late spring through summer as large, multi-petaled blooms that can reach 15 to 20 centimetres across. Most 'Curly Locks' varieties produce white or cream-coloured flowers with a delicate, sweet fragrance that intensifies at night to attract moth pollinators. The blooms open in the evening and last for only one or two nights, making each flowering event feel special. The flowers have a silky texture with layers of petals surrounding a central cluster of yellow stamens. To encourage more blooms, give the plant a cooler rest period in winter with reduced watering and keep it in bright light during the growing season. Mature plants that receive proper care can produce multiple flowers throughout the blooming period.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for most of the day, around 6 to 8 hours. Can tolerate some morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays which can scorch the stems.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top third of soil is dry during spring and summer. In fall and winter, cut back significantly and let soil dry out more between waterings. Water from the base and avoid getting water trapped in stem crevices. Bottom watering works well.
🌡️ Humidity: Adaptable to average home humidity between 40 and 60 percent. Higher humidity encourages better growth but isn't essential.
🪴 Soil: Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or orchid bark. Needs excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Use a hanging basket or wide, shallow pot since roots are relatively shallow. Terracotta or plastic both work. Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, or when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast during the growing season. Can add 15 to 30 centimetres of new growth in 6 months under good conditions. In one year with proper care, expect significant stem lengthening. Mature specimens can cascade up to 60 to 90 centimetres or more.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 3 to 4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus formula in late summer to encourage flowering. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safer choice for homes with curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant looks incredible in a hanging basket near an east or north-facing window where it can show off its cascading stems. Living rooms, sunrooms, and bright bathrooms are all great options. It also works well on a high shelf or plant stand where the stems can drape down naturally. Bedrooms with good morning light are another possibility. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in south-facing windows without some kind of filtering, since too much direct sun will damage the foliage.