Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytic flowering cacti, comprising approximately 20 species, distinguished by shoot shape and flower color. In the wild, the plant can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The first representative of the genus was described in the early 19th century by the English botanist A. Haworth.
The plant doesn't have proper leaves. What are commonly referred to as leaf blades are actually modified shoots, which bear lush, predominantly white buds during flowering. Epiphyllum has been grown indoors for many years because it's easy to care for, and its lush flowers, which you can see in the photo, can brighten any interior.
Characteristics of the variety and species diversity
Epiphyllum is a genus of beautifully flowering succulent plants belonging to the Cactaceae family. Its long, twining or trailing stems make it suitable for hanging trellises. The shape of the stems varies depending on the plant variety. Cacti can have flat, triangular, or wavy stems. As they grow, the base of the stems becomes covered with bark. The fleshy, rich green stems are often mistaken for leaf blades, but actual leaves are small scales located beneath the areoles of the stems. I also suggest you familiarize yourself with another member of the cacti family: Ariocarpus.
Large, funnel-shaped flowers appear at the tips of the shoots and come in a wide variety of colors. White or cream-colored buds are most common. The flowers exude a rather strong, rich aroma. Due to its profuse blooms, the plant has earned the popular name "orchid cactus."
Cross-pollination of the flower results in the development of large fruits with edible pulp. The fruits resemble plums in appearance, yellow-green or purple. The surface of the fruit is often covered with spines. The juicy pulp has a strawberry-pineapple flavor and a sweet aroma. Inside the pulp are small black seeds that can be used for propagation.
You may be interested in:Angular
Epiphyllum angularis, or anguliger, is a bushy cactus with prostrate green stems. The edges of the shoots have deep angular notches, which gives the plant its name. The highly branched shoots can reach 1 m in length. The rounded or triangular lower part of the stem begins to take on a flat or triangular shape as it ascends.
The cactus's surface is almost completely devoid of spines, replaced by bristly hairs on the areoles. Flowering occurs in summer, producing large white buds that exude a subtle, pleasant fragrance. However, varieties with yellow or pink flowers are also available. The fragrant flowers can reach a diameter of 15 cm.
fish bone
The fishbone cactus, or forest cactus, differs from its relatives in the unique shape of its stems, which resemble a fish's spine. Deep notches run along the entire length of the stem. The plant's flat stems grow up to 1 m long and up to 15 cm wide. Small, scaly leaves are located at the base of the stems.
With proper care, large, voluminous crimson flowers with a yellow base and white flower tube emerge from the green shoots. As the buds open, the satin petals curve outward. The buds typically measure 13-15 cm in diameter. Lush blooms can last for several months. The cactus's long, drooping stems make it suitable for growing in hanging baskets.
Oxypetalum
A variety with long, flexible, rod-shaped stems. Flat green shoots have wavy edges. Tubular white flowers appear at the ends of the shoots at night. Flowering season: summer.
Guatemalan
The species is represented by two cultivars, distinguished by the shape of their shoots. The shoots of the first cultivar resemble a unique chain with links, while those of the second cultivar grow in a derivative manner and are undivided. The flowers are small and pinkish in color.
Ackerman
One of the most popular representatives of the genus. The reddish buds, held on slender stems, retain their decorative appeal for a long time. The serrated shoots grow quite slowly, a great advantage for potted plants.
Sharp-petaled
It differs from most of its relatives in its short, upright, light green stems. At night, fragrant white or cream-colored flowers appear on the shoots.
Phyllanthus
The bush's primary and secondary stems differ significantly in length. Primary shoots grow up to 1 m, while secondary shoots don't even exceed 50 cm. The buds are pink.
Hooker
The plant's stiff, arching stems can droop under the weight of large white flowers. Buds with elongated petals are borne on thin, flexible stems. The center of the bud is fluffy.
Jagged
The cactus's fleshy, flat stems are blue-green. The serrated shoots lack needles. There are varieties with cream, yellow, white, and pink flowers.
Lau
A fast-growing shrub with creamy flowers. The buds, which open at night, remain decorative for no more than two days.
Just Pru
A hybrid cactus variety that adapts fairly quickly to growing conditions. It blooms with large pink buds in the spring.
Thomas
In the wild, cactus stems can reach 4 m in length, but indoors they rarely grow to even 70 cm. The diameter of the white flowers with a bright yellow center is about 25 cm.
Rules for caring for epiphyllum at home
Growing epiphyllum indoors is a fairly easy task, even for an inexperienced gardener. The cactus isn't a fussy potted plant and adapts quite easily to its surrounding conditions.
Lighting
The bush requires good, bright light; otherwise, you'll hardly be able to enjoy its lush blooms. However, avoid exposing the above-ground portion of the plant to direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn. Therefore, when choosing a location for this ornamental plant, it's best to choose an east- or west-facing windowsill. This location will provide the bush with the optimal amount of light and protect it from direct UV rays.
Temperature and humidity
The recommended temperature for growing the cactus depends on the season. This is because the cactus requires a dormant period to recover after flowering. During the active growing season, the cactus should be grown at a temperature of 20 to 25°C, and with the onset of cold weather, the temperature in the room containing the plant should be lowered to 10-15°C.
The plant is completely undemanding regarding air humidity. However, during particularly hot periods, it is recommended to mist the above-ground portion of the bush with a spray bottle. It is best to use well-settled water at room temperature for misting. When misting, it is important not to let water come into contact with the buds, otherwise they will quickly lose their decorative appeal.
Watering and fertilizing
From spring until late summer, the plant requires regular and abundant watering with soft water. The water temperature should be slightly cooler than the room temperature. It's best to water the plant after the top layer of soil has dried out slightly.
During the active growth period, it is recommended to fertilize the plant once every 10-14 days. It is best to use a special fertilizer for flowering cacti. During budding and after flowering, the cactus should be fed with cow manure diluted in water at a ratio of 1:4.
Diseases and pests of epiphyllum
Improper care significantly reduces the plant's protective functions and leads to the development of various diseases and pests. The most common diseases affecting the plant are:
- Rust. Rust is caused by stagnant soil moisture or sunburn. The disease appears as irregular, rusty spots on the shoots of the bush. The disease can be visualized in the photo. Treatment involves maintaining optimal growing conditions and applying fungicides.
Rust - Anthracnose. Appears as light brown spots on the shoots of the bush. Treatment: prune the affected stems and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Anthracnose - Viral mosaic. White spots and dried tips appear on the stem. In severe cases, buds begin to drop quickly. The virus is virtually untreatable, so it's best to discard the affected plant.
Viral mosaic - Fusarium wilt. This is a fungal infection that attacks the plant's root system and causes shoots to turn red. The infection is caused by overwatering. The only cure is to remove all rotted roots and repot the plant.
Fusarium
The bush is also susceptible to attack by harmful insects, including:
- Spider mites. These insects can be detected by the fine webbing that covers the cactus. Most often, the cause of this infestation is excessively dry indoor air. The insect sucks the sap from the plant's shoots and disrupts its normal vital functions. Insecticides are used to control the pest.
Spider mite - Scale insects. These are small sucking insects that drain the plant of its vital juices. These parasites are removed manually, and only then is the cactus treated with systemic insecticides.
You may be interested in:Methods for growing epiphyllum at home
Epiphyllum can be propagated in several ways, namely by cuttings, dividing the bush and seeds.
Growing cacti from seed is a rather labor-intensive process, and a plant obtained this way will not bloom for at least five years. It is recommended to start sowing seeds in the spring. The seedlings are evenly sown onto the surface of moist cactus substrate and covered with plastic film.
There's no need to plant the seeds deeply; 5 mm is sufficient. Care for the seeds includes regular spraying and ventilation.
Propagation by division is the fastest and most reliable way to obtain a new plant. This method can be used when repotting an adult plant. Simply divide the plant into two parts and plant them in separate containers. During the adaptation period, it's best to keep the plant in partial shade, and keep watering to a minimum.
Cuttings are also a fairly simple way to propagate a mother plant. It is recommended to begin rooting cuttings in the spring. Cuttings are taken from young, healthy shoots, 10 to 15 cm long.
The cuttings are placed cut-side down in an empty container for several days to allow them to release their sap. They are then buried 1-2 cm deep in soil for rooting. It is recommended to keep the container in partial shade. Rooted cuttings are transplanted into small pots, 7 to 10 cm deep.
For rooting, you can use either purchased soil for cacti or prepared at home from turf, leaf soil and sand, taken in a proportion of 2:1:1.
You may be interested in:Frequently Asked Questions
Epiphyllums are beautifully flowering cacti that, thanks to their decorative appearance and unpretentiousness, have been grown as potted plants for many years.
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