
Here are a few types of Epiphyllum cactus and orchid cactus hybrids: The snow-white, bowl-shaped flowers also produce a sweet scent that can fill a room. The rare, spectacular flowers can grow up to 12” (30 cm) long and 8” (20 cm) wide. Nocturnal orchid cacti have some of the showiest white flowers of any cactus species. Some smaller species of hybrid orchid cacti have narrow, funnel-like flowers like a Christmas cactus. However, some hybrid varieties have large, showy cup-shaped flowers that can be deep red, vibrant pink, orange, or white. Many day-blooming orchid cactus plants don’t give off much of a scent. Orchid cactus flower shapes, colors, scent, and blooming time depend on the species. Orchid cactus flowers measure between 3” and 6” (8 – 16 cm) across. At the base of the flower, linear or ovate-shaped petals fan out in a circle to form a star-shaped disc. Epiphyllum cactus flowers consist of around 20 petals that form a cup shape. Orchid cactus flowers are huge, sweet-smelling, showy blooms that create stunning floral displays. Many orchid cactus hybrids also have showy funnel or cup-shaped flowers in pink, yellow, orange, and creamy-white hues. The orchid cactus attaches itself to a host plant and absorbs nutrients from its surroundings-like how orchids grow.Įpiphyllum cactus grows outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.Īlternative names for the Epiphyllum cactus include Dutchman’s pipe, lady of the night, and climbing cacti.Īlthough Epiphyllum cacti generally bloom at nighttime, orchid cactus hybrids from the genus Disocactus bloom during the daytime. In their forest habitat, the orchid-like cactus grows as an epiphytic plant in dappled sunlight. Orchid cacti are native to tropical forests of Central and South America. Orchid cactus hybrids produce beautiful flowers in colorful pastel shades. Large, showy bowl-shaped white flowers are characteristic of many Epiphyllum cacti. Orchid cacti are identified by broad leaf-like stems with scalloped margins. Orchid cactus plants belong to the flowering succulent genus Epiphyllum and cactus family Cactaceae. What is Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum Cactus)?

Keep humidity above average and temperatures between 65☏ and 75☏ (18☌ – 24☌).

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in February to encourage blooming. Water the forest cactus when the top 1” (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. To care for an orchid cactus, grow the Epiphyllum plant in moist, well-drained soil and bright indirect sunlight. In addition, helpful tips will help you grow an orchid cactus outdoors if you live in a subtropical or tropical climate. You will learn about getting conditions right indoors to encourage frequent blooming. This article is a care guide to growing an orchid cactus. If you get orchid cactus care right, you can enjoy sweetly scented blooms every year during June and July. Blooming orchid cacti require the right amount of sunlight, a cool period during winter, moist soil, and low-nitrogen fertilizer. Getting an orchid cactus to bloom is all about providing the proper care.

Queen of the night cactus ( Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
