Epicacti / Epiphyllum

These flowers are among the most gorgeous of the cacti family

Epiphyllum are a jungle cacti "epiphytes”, plants that take root and grow in pockets of trees or other plants and they can also grow on rock crevices where they feed on decomposing leaves and roots - just like other forms of orchids

Note

When you receive your cuttings, these should have partially cured, (calloused at the ends where you plant them into the soil). I prefer to dip the “fleshy end” cuttings into a mixture of hormone and cinnamon powder, then leave to rest for several days, once ends callous, then plant out. Don’t be alarmed if you notice a browny, white powdery substance (cinnamon and hormone powder) on ends of cuttings.

The purpose of callousing the ends is to avoid the risk of base rot and bacteria.

Base Rot

If base rot occurs, you can usually tell by:

* No new growth appearing over the next few weeks after planting cutting out.

* You sight black/browing at the base.

* You can test root growth by gently pulling cutting upwards to see if cutting holds firm in soil, thus showing it has rooted into the soil.

If your cutting has base rot, lift cutting out and cut away all rot, (optional - dip in cinnamon and hormone powder), let cure for several days in a shady, dry, cool place until ends callous.

Replant in clean soil mix

To avoid base rot, the key is not to over water cuttings in the first several weeks after planting out. Mist cuttings for the first few weeks, then you can water lightly, if needed?

Once rooting occurs, epiphyllum should not be allowed to dry out.

Planting Medium & Containers

Plant cuttings in a mixture of clean potting mix, orchid mix, some perlite and a little grit and sand. Plant the small growing end of the cutting 1–2 inches deep in the soil. I usually have this marked for you. Don’t plant more than two of the leaf “serrations'' any deeper this can encourage rot. I usually make a mixture of 70/30 potting mix with orchid mix (or bark chips), adding several handfuls of perlite and organic composted soils to the mix. This suits our climate. If you live in a climate where you get long hot, dry summers, like we do, it is beneficial to add extra organic matter to make your mix, making it heavier, this helps retain more moisture.

Overall, these are pretty hardy plants and can be neglected over a long period of time. I have obtained some neglected plants over the years that I have bought back to full health.

You can also grow epiphyllums in straight potting mix, but in doing so, make sure you drill good size holes in sides of your plastic pots for good drainage and airation to avoid rot.

They are rain forest cacti and need moisture. (The exception is in winter, when the plant is at rest.) The mix should hold moisture but drain quickly.

Grow in hanging baskets or plastic pots as these are preferable to clay pots, as they don't dry out as fast. If growing in hanging baskets make sure these don’t dry out over a period of time. It is recommended to poke your finger in the soil to see if it retains moisture as some soils may become deplenished and water resistant after a period of time.

You should also move the plant to a bigger size pot every two to three years. Repotting is best be done in late winter/ early spring, this way your Epiphyllums will bloom regularly during spring time.

Growing Conditions

Epiphyllums grow best in bright but indirect light. Keep out of direct sunlight as this will scorch them and heat them up. Keep away from heated areas, eg surrounded by brick/concrete walls in where they are getting full sun for part of the day. Orchid cacti have natural growth cycles during the spring and fall. During these seasons, their water requirements are greater than at other times of the year. Note that, after flowering, they go through a rest period due to the stress of producing flowers. The plants may appear a bit wilted, but do not become overly concerned and do not increase the amount of water. By the onset of autumn, the plants should start regaining their plump, green appearance. During the winter months, water your plants just enough to keep them moist. I have all mine growing outdoors so they just get what the winter rains give them. It is important that the orchid cactus gets partial sunlight all year round.

If you are moving the plant outdoors during summer time, make sure you are placing it in a shaded place away from direct sunlight.

Never move the plant from its location once it starts to bud. You should never change the temperature and light when it starts to bud as this might cause it to drop the flower and the bud.

Fertilizing your Epiphyllums

Remember to regularly feed your plants with a slow release fertiliser from early Spring to Autumn, using an organic high potassium fertiliser to aid in blooming.

There is no need to fertilize during winter as this is it’s resting time. It is important to give the plant much needed rest during winter. This means that it needs a dry rest for about 8 to 10 weeks of the winter season in order to set the buds.

Happy Blooming - Shelli Green