Climbing Cacti

Climbing Cacti Care

Epiphyllum

What is the plant

The orchid cactus is a gorgeous group of tree-growing flowering cactus plants. The Epiphyllum (the botanical name) has broad, flat, leaflike stems scalloped on the edge, strung together by a woody midvein.The Epiphyllum cactus are jewels and the proud owners of some of the largest, most unbelievable flowers in the whole plant world.The porcelain-petaled, saucer-size pond lily suffers by comparison.

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

10°C - 15°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In winter, when they rest, they need just enough water to keep the stems from shriveling.The active growing season starts in early spring for most varieties.The plants need constant moisture in the air and for the roots.While growing they need water, good ventilation and protection from extreme heat and strong sun. Give the plants a slight drying off during dormancy but never let them become perfectly dry.
Pruning
You won't need to prune unless you want to control its size. The best time to prune it back is shortly after it stops flowering. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to prevent tearing the stems.
Fertilizer
In February when growth begins again, start with mild but regular feedings of weak liquid foliar cactus fertilizer solutions every two weeks during growth.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Bright light, but no direct sunlight. Insufficient light causes spindly growth and few blooms.
Soil
A light, porous, humus-rich potting mix that will hold some moisture and yet will drain quickly. The soil should be coarse, not finely sifted; slightly acid; and for further aeration and purification, generously supplied with small bits of crushed charcoal.
Temperature
Average room temperatures 65-75°F/18-24°C. To set flower buds, the plant needs 8-10 weeks of cool 60-65°F/16-18°C days and 45-55°F/7-13°C nights in winter.

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Container
The popular conception of a cactus potting soil mix is not acceptable to grow orchid cactus.At home in the tropics, these are tree-dwellers where their roots feed on decaying organic matter and are largely exposed to the air.If your plant is badly pot-bound move it to the next size pot or into hanging baskets rather than to a much larger one.
Popularity
73 people already have this plant 23 people have added this plant to their wishlists