Humidity
Of their pure habitats, ambient humidity would fulfill a portion of their moisture wants, so water vapor is a vital component of the setting for these cacti.
Epiphyllums shall be happiest in situations with not less than 50 p.c humidity.
There are a couple of other ways you’ll be able to enhance relative humidity, if wanted. Misting the foliage with water from a sprig bottle is a straightforward, low finances option to begin.
One other technique is to situate your houseplants in groupings to create a extra humid microclimate.
Lastly, if you wish to step up your efforts a bit, utilizing a humidifier close to orchid cacti is a wonderful manner to assist increase relative humidity.
Fertilizing
Beginning a few month after flowering, start fertilizing your orchid cactus with a delicate, balanced fertilizer to encourage foliage development.
Younger orchid cacti that aren’t anticipated to bloom will be fertilized this manner beginning a bit earlier, in early spring.
Dr. Earth’s Pump and Develop Indoor Home Plant Meals is a delicate fertilizer with a ratio of 1-1-1 (NPK) that can assist nourish the cactus and encourage foliage development.
Dr. Earth’s Pump and Develop Indoor Home Plant Meals
You’ll discover a 16-ounce pump container of Dr. Earth’s Pump and Develop Indoor Home Plant Meals accessible for buy at Arbico Organics.
This or the same product will be utilized each two weeks from spring by way of autumn.
And to encourage blooming, change to a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late autumn, then cease fertilizing throughout winter.
You’ll want to comply with the producer’s directions for utility.
Any fertilizers with NPK ratios increased than 10-10-10 must be diluted.
Species and Cultivars
Selecting which sort of epiphyllum to develop is a lot of enjoyable – there are such a lot of decisions!
Epiphyllums are bought as potted vegetation, rooted cuttings, or unrooted cuttings.
Some nurseries promote specimens which were recognized by their species or cultivar title, whereas others may supply picks labeled as “white,” “yellow,” or “crimson,” in reference to bloom colours.
Now, let’s begin taking a look at a couple of choices!
Ackermannii
Generally generally known as “crimson orchid cactus,” Disocactus ackermannii was previously labeled as an Epiphyllum species.
It’s nonetheless generally known as E. ackermannii, which is taken into account a synonym.
This spring-blooming species bears crimson flowers that attain as much as six inches throughout, remaining on the plant for a couple of days.
Stems vary from seven inches to a few toes lengthy and have outstanding veins and undulating margins.
D. ackermannii obtained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Backyard Benefit in 2012.
D. Ackermannii Crimson Orchid Cactus
You’ll discover red-flowered D. ackermannii vegetation in six-inch pots accessible from Hirt’s Gardens Retailer through Amazon.
Fishbone
Disocactus anguliger, previously labeled as Epiphyllum anguliger is also referred to as zig zag or ric rac cactus.
This epiphyte grows as much as 18 inches tall and 36 inches vast with distinctive zig-zagging stems that path out of hanging baskets or over the perimeters of pots.
It options giant yellow and white flowers which are trumpet-shaped with elongated, funnel-shaped petals.
Be taught extra about rising fishbone cactus right here.
Guatemalense
Generally generally known as “curly locks orchid cactus,” this naturally occurring subspecies has undulating stems that appear to be huge, wavy locks of hair on older specimens.
Stems have a outstanding midvein.
Labeled as Epiphyllum hookeri ssp. guatemalense but additionally typically as E. guatemalense, this member of the Epiphyllum genus produces white blooms.
This selection can also be typically referred to as “curly sue” or Epiphyllum guatemalense ‘Monstrose.’
Oxypetalum
“Queen of the evening” is the frequent title for probably the most well-known member of the Epiphyllum genus, E. oxypetalum.
This orchid cactus species, also referred to as “Dutchman’s pipe cactus,” has funnel-shaped, night-blooming flowers that may attain over seven inches vast.
The showy, aromatic blooms are white with gold sepals, and are short-lived, lasting one evening solely.
E. oxypetalum has stems that may attain as much as 10 toes or extra.
This species is also referred to as “girl of the evening,” and “night-blooming cereus.” It shares these two names, in addition to “queen of the evening” with a couple of sorts of desert cacti which are members of the Cereus genus, similar to C. peruvianus.
You’ll need to make certain you select the suitable “queen of the evening” on your functions, since these two sorts of cacti have totally different care wants.
You’ll discover a queen of the evening epiphyllum in two-gallon pots accessible from Planet Desert.
Upkeep
Normally, species vegetation bloom within the spring, whereas hybrids bloom in summer time or fall.
Epiphyllums can take between three and 7 years to provide blooms, relying on the species or cultivar and the rising situations.
There are a number of steps you’ll be able to take to encourage blooming.
First, ensure that the cactus is in an appropriately sized pot.
For epiphyllums to set blooms, they should have sufficient gentle. Exposing vegetation to some direct daylight within the morning will encourage blooming.