What is an orchid cactus?
Orchid cacti are native to tropical forests of Central and South America. In their forest habitat, the orchid-like cactus grows as an epiphytic plant in dappled sunlight. The orchid cactus attaches itself to a host plant and absorbs nutrients from its surroundings—like how orchids grow. Epiphyllum cactus grows outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Do orchid cacti grow in cold weather?
Being a type of tropical forest plant, orchid cacti don’t tolerate cold temperatures. A drop in temperature below 50°F (10°C) will affect the orchid cactus plant’s growth. If the temperature drops below 35°F (1°C), the flowering succulent cactus will die. In its native environment, an orchid cactus thrives in humid conditions.
How long does it take for orchid cactus to grow flowers?
Orchid cacti take a long time (around 5 years) to grow flowers if you plant them from the seeds. A quicker way to propagate the plant is to cut a thick leaf about 4 inches (10 cm), let it dry out a few days, and place it in the soil upside down about 1 or 2 inches, so it won’t fall over.
What zone does an orchid cactus grow in?
An orchid cactus is hardy to zones 10 and 11, although some varieties extend into zone 12 as well. Bright, indirect sunlight is required all year long, whether the plant is indoors or out.
See more
Where is the orchid cactus native to?
Central and South AmericaOrchid Cactus are native to Central and South America. To mimic their natural habitat, give them a period of dryness with cool nighttime temperatures in the winter.
Is orchid cactus a cactus or succulent?
Succulent plantOrchid Cactus Quick Care OverviewScientific name:EpiphyllumClassification:Succulent plantCommon names:Orchid cactus, Epiphyllum cactus, Epi cactusHardiness:Zones 10+Temperature:65-75°F7 more rows
Why is it called an orchid cactus?
I confirmed that the name is epiphyllum, commonly called Orchid Cactus. “Epi” means upon in New Latin or Greek, and phyllum means “stem”. The plant in question is an epiphyte, like orchids and bromeliads, and resembles a Christmas cactus on steroids.
Is an orchid cactus the same as a Christmas cactus?
One example is the orchid cactus, a plant closely related to the more common Christmas cactus. The plant is propagated by breaking off a few of the flat-leafed, lobed stems from a parent plant and inserting them into a pot of soilless mix.
How often should you water a orchid cactus?
once every 10 daysNative to tropical rainforests where it grows on trees, this indoor plant doesn't want it soil to be moist all the time and will rot if it's overwatered. That often means watering once every 10 days or so, depending on conditions such as plant size, temperature, and how much light your orchid cactus gets.
When should I stop watering my orchid cactus?
Orchid Cactus Care Tips Water: Keep the soil moist spring through fall, while plant is growing. In winter, water sparingly until new growth begins in spring. Never allow it to dry out.
Why is my orchid cactus turning red?
Too much sunlight will cause a red tinge to the foliage. Although Orchid Cacti are best grown in locations offering just a few hours of sun, prolonged periods on non-acclimated specimens will lead to sun-scorch.
How often does an orchid cactus bloom?
Virtues: Orchid cactus is an easy-to-grow houseplant that produces stunning flowers over a period of several weeks in the spring. It tolerates dry air and lapses in watering. Season: Spring into summer, for flowers. Flowers: Showy, large flowers appear from notches in the leaves in spring and into summer.
Is orchid cactus fruit edible?
The fruit is edible, very similar to the pitaya fruit from the closely related genus Hylocereus, though not so large, being only 3–4 cm long.
Can you root orchid cactus in water?
7:1411:26How to propagate Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not splitMoreAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not split them but just stick them in water.
Do orchid cactus like to be root bound?
Pot: Pot your orchid cactus in a hanging basket to give its long stems the space to grow. Orchid cacti need to become root-bound to bloom, so ideally choose a pot or hanging basket that fits the roots snugly. Only consider repotting a mature plant during the winter months after the growth period has ended.
Are orchid cactus easy to grow?
Epiphyllum spp. Orchid cacti, or epiphyllums, are forest cacti with long, flat, succulent stems that produce incredible blooms. These long-lived plants are easy to care for, fun to propagate, and stand up well to neglect!
Is an orchid considered a succulent?
Aloe plants, cacti and even orchids can be considered succulents. ZZ plants and other common indoor plants are usually in the succulent family. They are popular because they are relatively low maintenance, require little watering or pruning and some species need very little light to thrive.
Is an orchid cactus an orchid?
Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus Not An Orchid At All But not parasitic! It sustains itself by absorbing sustenance from the air instead of from the vegetation on which it fastens. These are the most majestic of hanging plants, easy to handle, and include a group of miniature or basket varieties.
When should I repot my orchid cactus?
Plants should be repotted about every seven years. To repot, wait about a month after blooming. Do not remove all the soil around the root ball. Just gently shake off excess soil and then repot in fresh soil.
Can you root orchid cactus in water?
7:1411:26How to propagate Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not splitMoreAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not split them but just stick them in water.
How are orchid cactus grown?
An orchid cactus is grown from seed.
What is an Orchid Cactus?
The orchid cactus was named as such because of its growth habit and its large flower.
What Is a Dormancy Period in Orchid Cactus?
Dormancy is the state of a plant when it shows no growth at all or just very little of it.
Why do orchid cactus buds fall off?
The orchid cactus is rather sensitive about changes in certain factors, including light, temperature, and humidity, so if it feels there’s the slightest change in any of these things, its flower buds may start to fall off.
How to keep orchid cactus from dropping buds?
As soon as buds appear, keep the plant in the same location. Moving it around during this time would mean changes in temperature and lighting, and these changes will cause the plant to drop its buds and flowers. Remember to keep your orchid cactus away from drafty areas of your home, like heat/AC vents and doorways.
How to help orchid cactus bloom?
You can do a few things to help your orchid cactus bloom. Allow the plant to rest in the winter. Your plant will need a cool, dry winter rest for about eight to 10 weeks so it can set buds. During this period, you’ll need to water it sparingly, as well as stop fertilizing it. Give the plant correct lighting.
How much humidity does an orchid need?
The orchid cactus needs moderate indoor humidity levels of about 40 percent to 50 percent. For extra dry homes, you can raise the humidity in the room by using a cool-mist humidifier. But if you just need to boost humidity a little bit for your plant, you can place a dish of wet pebbles underneath its pot.
What is Orchid Cactus?
Orchid cactus ( Epiphyllum) is an epiphytic plant with broad, flat stems, lobed edges, and large, showy flowers. As a type of epiphytic plant, the orchid cactus absorbs nutrients from the air and its surroundings. This growth feature is like many orchids, which is why they are called orchid cacti.
When do orchid cactus bloom?
Orchid cactus hybrids that bloom during the day flower depending on their color. Typically, orchid cacti with white or yellow flowers bloom in late spring; pinks and reds in May; and June and July for the other colors.
What do cactus flowers look like?
Some Epiphyllum flowers, such as the queen of the night cactus, have flowers that look like a cup and saucer. Other types of orchid cactus flowers have thin, spreading petals in a star shape. Finally, the showiest orchid cactus flowers have an abundance of colorful petals with long, protruding stamens and a central stigma in the center of the circular flower.
How many petals does an orchid cactus have?
Orchid cactus flowers are showy, fragrant, and colorful. The attractive cactus flowers feature huge, cup-shaped flowers made up of between seven and 20 petals and can measure 3” to 6” (8 – 16 cm) across. Flowers on the ends of orchid cactus stems can be white, yellow, pink, red, or bi-colored.
What is the most popular night blooming orchid?
The queen of the night cactus is the most popular type of night-blooming orchid cactus. The ornamental cactus plant has broad, flat scalloped stems, huge white showy flowers, and emits a sweet aroma. The fleshy leaf-like stems can grow up to 20 ft. (6 m) long in ideal conditions.
What zone do cactus grow in?
Cactus plants in the Epiphyllum or Disocactus genus thrive outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.
How big are the Queen of the Night cactus flowers?
The orchid cactus flowers measure up to 6” (15 cm) wide. The snow-white funnel flowers have spindly petals forming a star shape at their base.
What does it mean when a cactus is getting too much light?
Watch your cacti for over/under exposure to light. Sunburned or yellowish wilted growth means your plant is getting too much light. Weak leggy growth means your plant is not getting enough light. Fresh green growth, (light to dark green) with slightly red edges indicates that the plant is getting the right amount of light.
When do epiphyllums bloom?
If plants are in a 4 inch pot they will flower faster than if grown in a 8 inch pot. Flowering begins in late April (white and yellows), May (pink and reds), June and July (deep reds and purples).
Do cacti need sun?
Cacti do best in filtered sunlight. They seem to like a few hours of full morning sun, but never full midday sun. If wintering your plants in the house, place them in a cool (40 plus degrees F) room. Lights should not be turned on after daylight hours. If lights are turned on after sundown, flowering for the following year may be delayed or affected.
What is the flower of an orchid cactus?
The orchid cactus is a beautiful succulent plant with broad, flattened leaf-like stems and huge, showy flowers. Orchid cactus flowers are the reason most people keep these flowering cacti as houseplants. The large cup-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers bloom in shades of white, orange, yellow, pink, and red. An unusual feature of some orchid cactus plants is that they only bloom once a year during the night.
How long do orchid cactus grow?
Many Epiphyllum species have arching and woody stems that grow 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) long. You may have to prune orchid cactus stems if they are dying or turning yellow.
When Should You Repot Orchid Cactus?
It’s a good idea to repot an orchid cactus every three years or so. Orchid cacti produce more flowers when they are rootbound. Therefore, you don’t need to repot them too often. The best time to repot an orchid cactus is in fall or winter. This way, you won’t stress the roots and affect blooming.
What temperature does an orchid cactus need to grow?
Being a type of tropical forest plant, orchid cacti don’t tolerate cold temperatures. A drop in temperature below 50°F (10°C) will affect the orchid cactus plant’s growth. If the temperature drops below 35°F (1°C), the flowering succulent cactus will die.
What zone does Epiphyllum cactus grow in?
Epiphyllum cactus grows outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.
How many petals does an orchid cactus have?
Orchid cactus flowers are huge, sweet-smelling, showy blooms that create stunning floral displays. Epiphyllum cactus flowers consist of around 20 petals that form a cup shape. At the base of the flower, linear or ovate-shaped petals fan out in a circle to form a star-shaped disc. Orchid cactus flowers measure between 3” and 6” (8 – 16 cm) across.
What is the most famous cactus?
The most famous orchid cactus is the queen of the night cactus. This night-blooming cactus only blooms during one night of the year. Many other white Epiphyllum cactus are also nocturnal cacti. However, there are types of orchid cacti that bloom during the day, and the flowers stay on the trailing stems for a few weeks.
What is an orchid cactus?
Orchid Cactus Plant Features. Orchid cactus is a bold houseplant that 's not for the faint of heart! Though it's easy to grow, its exotic look will give your friends the impression you're a champion houseplant grower. It has long, flat leaves that twist and curl as they grow, giving orchid cactus its unusual appearance.
What cactus looks good with orchids?
It looks beautiful with orchid cactus. Upright succulents look fun with bold orchid cactus. Mistletoe cactus has a soft, almost fluffy look that creates an intriguing look when paired with orchid cactus.
Can orchids grow in bright light?
If the plant gets enough light, it may produce beautiful, creamy-white orchid-like flowers (hence its common name).
How to grow orchid cactus?
To imitate their natural habitat, grow an orchid ca ctus in a hanging basket where its long, flat leaves can cascade down over the sides. These natural tree-dwellers plants enjoy hanging out, and they’re easy to grow when placed in a shady area.
How to start orchid cactus from seed?
You can start an orchid cactus from seed, but using this method means your plant won’t flower for the first 5 years. It’s much easier and faster to grow from cuttings, which is the common way to propagate these plants. To propagate, cut off a 4 to the 6-inch-long segment in the springtime. Allow the end to callus over a few days.
What is the most popular orchid?
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is the most popular species. This variety offers white, fragrant flowers and only blooms for a single night. Sneak up on it during the night it’s in full bloom for a stunning view, and watch it wither away before morning. How to Plant an Orchid Cactus. Pongdanai / Pixabay.
How long do orchid cactus blooms last?
The flowers are often nocturnal and very fragrant, but the blooms only last for around two to three days out of the year.
What is the best zone for orchid cactus?
An orchid cactus is hardy to zones 10 and 11, although some varieties extend into zone 12 as well. Sunlight. Bright, indirect sunlight is required all year long, whether the plant is indoors or out. Maintain protection from the harsh summer sun and direct sunlight. Soil.
How long does it take for orchid cactus to take root?
Put the container in a bright, indirectly lit area, and keep the soil moist for 3-6 weeks for them to take root. Where to Plant. Free-Photos / Pixabay.
How much humidity do orchid cactus need?
Humidity levels of around 50-60% are ideal. Mist or spray the stems from time to time with water as well to offer some humidity and clean the dust from the leaves, but stop when the plants begin to bud and flower to avoid fungus. During the winter, an orchid cactus requires much less water.
DESCRIPTION OF ORCHID CACTUS PLANTS
Among houseplants, it is difficult to find a plant with a name that causes as much controversy and confusion as members of the genus Epiphyllum. These cacti sometimes disappear from the shelves, sometimes boring, but they have never really left the greenhouse bloom scene in their history.
LEAF-SHAPED SHOOTS OF ORCHID CACTUS PLANTS
Epiphyllum stems do not divide as actively, but the skeleton-like old branches produce many new shoots that look like huge stiff leaves. These initially grow upright and remain quite delicate, but gradually bend to resemble linear leaves.
ORCHID CACTUS FLOWERING AND FRUITING
Orchid Cactus blooms very profusely, starting in May and ending its procession in late summer. This cactus usually starts flowering from the third year. Orchid Cactus plants that bloom at Christmas are artificially kicked out of a dormant period to correct the timing of flowering.
VARIETIES OF ORCHID CACTUS
Orchid Cactus species are not found in indoor collections today. Although there are nearly 20 species in the genus Epiphyllum, species native to Central and South America are rarely used as cultivated plants.
GROWING CONDITIONS FOR INDOOR ORCHID CACTUS PLANTS
Light-loving but not sun-loving, Orchid Cactus plants would be one of the easiest cacti to grow if not for the need to overwinter in cold temperatures. Lighting and dormant temperatures are crucial for this cactus to bloom.
HOW TO CARE FOR ORCHID CACTUS PLANTS AT HOME
This is not a difficult cactus to care for, and surprisingly it likes humidity. It likes to be watered fairly frequently during periods of vigorous growth and will not refuse at least moderate but frequent fertilization. With the right conditions during the dormant period, Orchid Cactus plants will be easy to grow, even for novice growers.
Where do orchid cactus grow?
They’re usually found in the shady, humid forest canopy where they grow on trees such as the frangipani. Unlike many other epiphytes, the orchid cactus doesn’t take from its host plant. Instead, it draws its nourishment from leaf mold, insects, animal droppings, air, and moisture in the surrounding environment.
What is an orchid cactus?
The orchid cactus is prized for its brightly colored blooms that burst into a magical array come spring. What’s more, their segmented, serrated stems make a dramatic impression in hanging pots. Epiphyllum is what’s known as epiphytic cacti. This means that, in nature, they grow on the surface of other plants.
What is the name of the flower that bursts into a magical array in spring?
The orchid cactus ( Epiphyllum oxypetalum) brings bright color and pleasant fragrance into your home. This popular houseplant’s common names include queen of the night, leaf cactus, and Dutchman’s pipe cactus. The orchid cactus is prized for its brightly colored blooms that burst into a magical array come spring.
Why are my orchid cactus leaves turning yellow?
Overexposure to harsh, direct light, may lead to stems that turn yellow or look wilted. Too much light may also create a sunburned appearance. Conversely, if your orchid cactus needs more light, it may take on a leggy, weak appearance. Overwatering your plant may also lead to an infestation of fungus gnats.
How long does it take for an orchid cactus to bloom?
It may take up to five years before an orchid cactus flowers. Usually, they’re also more likely to bloom if their roots fill the pot, or they’re root-bound. Usually, a plant growing in a four-inch pot blooms before a plant growing in an eight-inch pot.
Why are my orchid cacti black?
The most common issue affecting orchid cacti is overwatering. If your plant sits in water, you may notice stems turning limp or growing black at the base. This is an issue known as stem rot. If you see stem rot, take a break from watering. Cut blackened stems off at soil level.
How long have orchid cactus been crossbred?
Botanists and hobbyists alike have cross-bred the orchid cactus for more than 200 years. Gardeners are always in search of new colors, stronger fragrances, and longer bloom times.
Orchid Cacti Care
Unless you can offer your epiphyllums mild temperatures, dappled sunlight, humidity, and porous potting mix, then it's best to stick with growing them indoors. They like similar conditions to orchids and bromeliads. Grown outdoors, they should have protection from strong winds and ample air circulation.
Types of Orchid Cacti
There are less than 20 true epiphyllum species, but thousands of hybrid varieties that come with a wide range of different sizes, shapes, growing habits and bloom colors. Some hobbyist favorites include:
Pruning
Slow-growing, epiphyllum can grow large and their trailing stems can get heavy. Cut the stems to a shorter length if you don't want to support them with unsightly canes or twine. 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.
Propagating Epiphyllum
Propagating by stem cuttings is the quickest and easiest way to produce new epiphyllum. It also means your plant will be true to type. If you're lucky, they might even flower the following year. Follow these suggestions for rooting your stem cuttings:
How to Grow Orchid Cacti From Seed
Epiphyllum seeds aren't easy to source commercially, and there's no guarantee they will grow true to type. Producing your own seeds means you'll have to pollinate the flowers by hand, and you'll need two simultaneously flowering male and female plants.
Potting and Repotting Epiphyllum
To increase the chances of your epiphyllum flowering, you'll want to make sure you don't opt for too big a container or hanging basket. These plants like to be relatively root-bound and don't need repotting often—it's unlikely you'll need to repot more than once every six to seven years.
Common Pests
Serious pests and diseases aren't something that often bothers epiphyllums. However, keep an eye out for pesky mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats, and red spider mites. Slugs and snails also love the thick stems of these plants, but hanging them in elevated baskets outside can help to minimize this problem.