About
Epiphyllum 'Gladyce Jones' is an epiphytic cactus (Cactaceae) in the genus Epiphyllum, valued for its large, night-opening flowers. Like other Epiphyllum, it bears broad, flattened stems rather than cylindrical pads. Flowering occurs June to September. Plants are typically grown under glass or in bright, sheltered indoor positions in the UK.
About the genus
Epiphyllum, ; from Ancient Greek ἐπι- (epi-), meaning "upon", and φύλλον (phúllon), meaning "leaf", is a genus of epiphytic plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to Central America and South America. Common names for these species include climbing cacti, orchid cacti and leaf cacti, though the latter also refers to the genus Pereskia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Epiphyllum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Epiphyllum
In the garden
An epiphytic member of the cactus family, Epiphyllum 'Gladyce Jones' originates from the same Central and South American lineage as other orchid cacti and produces broad, flattened stems rather than the rounded ribs typical of desert cacti. The genus is known for sizeable nocturnal blooms; this cultivar flowers from June to September, with individual blooms opening at night and fading by morning. Position plants where they receive bright, indirect light rather than prolonged direct sun; a west or east-facing greenhouse shelf or a bright indoor window suit it well. Use a free-draining, humus-rich compost (an orchid or epiphyte mix amended with leaf mould or well-rotted bark) and a pot with good drainage. Keep the mix moist through the active growing and flowering months, then reduce watering in winter while avoiding prolonged dryness. Feed sparingly during the flowering season to support bloom production. In the UK, Epiphyllum 'Gladyce Jones' performs best in frost-free conditions: a conservatory, heated greenhouse or an indoor hanging pot where trailing stems can spread works well. Check for blooms after dusk between June and September to catch each brief night-opening flower before it fades at dawn.