Epiphyllum 'Orchid Cactus'

🌿 The Orchid Cactus, scientifically known as Epiphyllum, belongs to the Cactaceae family and hails from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Unlike your typical desert cactus, this epiphytic beauty grows naturally on trees and rocks, making it a unique addition to any indoor collection. It's considered beginner-friendly, thriving with minimal fuss once you understand its rhythm. Here's a fun fact: despite being called a cactus, the Orchid Cactus produces some of the most spectacular and fragrant flowers in the entire cactus world, often blooming at night to attract moth pollinators in its native habitat.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This plant displays a trailing to upright growth habit, with flat, leaf-like stems that cascade gracefully from hanging baskets or climb if given support. The stems are segmented and slightly serrated along the edges, giving them an architectural quality. They're a vibrant medium green colour with a smooth, waxy texture that catches the light beautifully. The growth pattern creates a lush, layered appearance that fills out containers nicely over time.
FLOWER DETAILS
The flowers are absolutely breathtaking, ranging from pure white and soft pink to deep magenta and vibrant orange, depending on the variety. They're large, often spanning 4 to 8 inches across, with multiple layers of delicate petals that open like a tropical orchid. Many varieties release a sweet, intoxicating fragrance, especially during evening hours. The blooms typically appear in late spring through summer, though some well-cared-for plants may bloom twice a year. To encourage flowering, provide a rest period in winter with cooler temperatures and reduced watering, then resume regular care as spring approaches.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light works best. Avoid harsh direct sun which can scorch the stems. Aim for 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily, such as near an east or north-facing window.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry during spring and summer. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once every 2 to 3 weeks. Water from the top, allowing excess to drain completely.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50% to 70%, though it adapts to average home conditions.
🪴 Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix enriched with orchid bark or perlite for extra aeration.
🏺 Potting: Choose a hanging basket or wide, shallow pot with drainage holes. Terracotta works well. Repot every 2 to 3 years or when roots become crowded.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth. Expect 6 to 12 inches of new growth per year. Mature plants can reach 2 to 3 feet in length or height.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Switch to a bloom-boosting formula in early spring to encourage flowers.
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, the Orchid Cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a safe choice for pet owners.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Orchid Cactus thrives in living rooms, bedrooms, or sunrooms where it receives plenty of bright, filtered light. It looks stunning in hanging baskets near windows or on plant stands where the stems can drape naturally. Avoid placing it in dark corners, bathrooms with low light, or directly in front of south-facing windows where intense afternoon sun might damage the foliage. It also appreciates good air circulation, so keep it away from stagnant, cramped spaces.