No tracking. No cookies. No ads. Privacy-first
Bright, indirect light. A shaded south or east-facing window is ideal indoors. Avoid strong midday sun, which bleaches and scorches the flat stems. Unlike most cacti, these are shade-tolerant plants from forest understories.Light
Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) from spring through fall. In winter, water sparingly (water small amounts, less often. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings), just enough to prevent the stems from shriveling. Do not let the plant sit in standing water.Water
Prefers 40-50% relative humidity. Mist the stems regularly in summer, especially in dry climates, or use a pebble tray. These are tropical rainforest plants and appreciate moisture in the air.Humidity
Growing season: above 60°F (15°C). Winter rest: 52-57°F (11-14°C) for 8-10 weeks to trigger blooming. Do not let temperatures drop below 35°F (1°C) or the plant will be damaged.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Epiphyllum hybrids plant

Orchid Cacti

Epiphyllum hybrids

Moderate

Epiphyllum hybrids are flat-stemmed, spineless jungle cacti that spend most of the year looking like unremarkable hanging tangles of wide, notched green paddles — and then erupt into some of the most spectacular flowers in the entire plant world. Your plant can produce blooms up to 10-12 inches across in just about any color except true blue, and some open at night and fill the room with fragrance before closing by morning. They are a patience game, but the payoff is genuinely show-stopping.

Epiphyllum hybrids plant
Andre Abrahami, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Epiphyllum hybrids plant
Andre Abrahami, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Orchid Cacti

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist

Humidity

40-50%

Temperature

52-57°F

Soil

Fast-draining, slightly acidic, humus-rich mix.

Propagation

Stem cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Common Problems

Scale insects and mealybugs.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

There are only 16-20 recognized Epiphyllum species, but hybridizers have created over 13,000 named hybrids, with some bearing gloriously dramatic names like 'Dracula Meets a Virgin,' 'Frida Kahlo,' and 'Circus Circus.'

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. The flat stems have no spines to worry about either.

Sources

  1. Epiphyllum (Orchid Cacti) Growing Guide - RHS (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Epiphyllum (Orchid Cacti) Growing Guide - RHS (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Epiphyllum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Epiphyllum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Everything You Need to Know About Epiphyllum - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Everything You Need to Know About Epiphyllum - Gardening Know How (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Growing Orchid Cacti: How to Care for Epiphyllums Indoors - Gardener's Path (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Growing Orchid Cacti: How to Care for Epiphyllums Indoors - Gardener's Path (opens in new tab)Reference
Copied to clipboard