Epiphyllum Care: How to Grow Orchid Cactus

Epiphyllum is a genus of over a dozen cactus plants, many of which are epiphytic, meaning they use other plants (like trees) as hosts. Common names for the epiphyllum plant include the leaf cactus, the epiphyllum cactus, and the orchid cactus, due to its characteristically bright and beautiful flowers.

Epiphyllum plants are native to tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the Caribbean—especially rainforests in those regions, as the plant thrives in hot, humid climates. They’re succulents, and the majority of them are also trailing plants.

Epiphyllum is a broad genus encompassing a range of colors, growth styles, and cultivars. Here are just a few.

1. 1. Crenate orchid cactus (Epiphyllum crenatum or Disocactus crenatus): This well-known, leafy, blooming cactus is the parent of many hybrid varieties. Recently, it moved from the Epiphyllum genus to the similar Disocactus genus, but many gardeners still consider it the quintessential Epiphyllum.
2. 2. Hooker’s orchid cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri): This climbing plant breaks out into beautiful white flowers—though only at night.
3. 3. Pegasus orchid cactus (Epiphyllum “Pegasus”): The Pegasus variety blooms red or magenta flowers that can grow up to eight inches in diameter.
4. 4. Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum): One of the most popular varieties of epiphyllum, the Queen of the Night has a fragrant aroma and large, white, funnel-shaped flowers. As the name suggests, it blooms only at night.

Epiphyllum is a low-maintenance plant once you set it up in the right conditions.

• Cuttings vs. seeds: Epiphyllum can grow either from seeds or through propagation by using stem cuttings. Cuttings are the more popular method, since the plant can take up to five years to bloom if grown from seed.
• Indoor vs. outdoor: Epiphyllum thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones ten through eleven, so unless you live in a reliably warm area, you’re best off growing them as houseplants. Since they’re trailing plants, a hanging basket is a great display method.
• Potting soil: Standard cactus mix likely isn’t rich enough for your epiphyllum plant. Instead, create a soil mix from standard potting mix, peat moss, and some sand. The mixture should be light and well-draining, so add perlite if necessary.

Epiphyllum plants are tropical cacti, not dessert cacti, which means they have unique requirements. With the proper care, your epiphyllum will thrive.

• Fertilizing: Feed your epiphyllum plant with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late winter and mid-fall; avoid fertilizing in the winter months, when the plant is dormant.
• Light: While the epiphyllum is a succulent plant, it doesn’t like too much light. Try to position it in a place that gets full morning sun but shade or indirect light the rest of the day.
• Misting: Epiphyllum is a tropical plant, so it likes high humidity and moisture. Give it an occasional spritz throughout the week, or consider investing in a humidifier if you live in an arid climate.
• Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites all prey on epiphyllum. If you notice an infestation, swab the affected area of the plant with a cotton ball dipped in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water.
• Watering: Keep your epiphyllum well-hydrated. Ensure the soil stays moist while keeping an eye out for standing water—that’s a sign of overwatering. Epiphyllum can also be particularly sensitive to tap water, so use distilled or filtered water if necessary.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as your epiphyllum grows.

1. 1. Anticipate the brief blooming period. Depending on the variety of epiphyllum you have, the bloom can last anywhere from one night to a week. Make sure you know what to expect, so you don’t miss it.
2. 2. Repot the plant as needed. Consider repotting your epiphyllum about every seven years. Wait until after it blooms, then carefully remove the plant and place the root ball in fresh soil.
3. 3. Reduce watering in the winter. In winter, when your epiphyllum is resting, it doesn’t need as much water. Give it just enough to keep the stem from shriveling.

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