About
A cactus with three-angled green stems and branches and large, scented flowers, 18-23cm across, with orange-red petals, the inner petals flushed with fuchsia-pink, and cream stamens and stigmas, from late spring to early summer.
About the genus
Epiphyllum are a genus of around 20 species of epiphytic cacti. Their rounded stems produce succulent leaf-like branches with funnel-shaped nocturnal flowers.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationIn areas where temperatures drop below 10°C, grow in epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light as houseplants or in a warm greenhouse with moderate to high humidity, and a minimum temperature of 10°C for most of the year but 15°C in the growing season; from mid-spring to late summer water freely and apply a high-potash fertilizer every 2 weeks as flower buds form, while in winter keep just moist. In warmer climates, grow in fertile, sharply drained soil in light dappled or partial shade. For more advice, see Epiphyllum cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by stem cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free