Fern Leaf Cactus

Fern Leaf Cactus Care

Selenicereus Chrysocardium

What is the plant

Selenicereus chrysocardium also known as Fern Leaf (orchid) Cactus is a wild zig-zag leafed epiphytic cactus native to Mexico. It’s a spineless and can grow up to 1.8m wide with branching stems holding pale leaves that have rounded lobes in zig-zag pattern.When growing Selenicereus chrysocardium make sure you keep it in the right potting mix. When mixing your own, start with 60% soil and 40% perlite. You can also add bark, peat or sand. Aim to repot it every 2 to 3 years.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

min 7°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Don’t be too zealous with the water – selenicereus is a cactus after all. Water weekly in summer and when you remember in winter. Always wait until the potting mix/soil has dried out completely before watering again – they don’t like being drowned!
Fertilizer
To help establish your new Fern Leaf Orchid Cactus, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
Sunlight
Selenicereus will grow well in shade to part sun locations. Mine is hanging off a peach tree, so it gets very little direct sun in summer, but more in winter. Too much sun will make its (fake) leaves turn yellow.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
well draining cactus or orchid potting mix
Temperature
As it originated in a tropical jungle climate, selenicereus will not be happy outdoors in cold climates. It’ll be really peeved if it gets frosted, and will probably die. Keep indoors in winter if you live in a cold climate. It’s very happy in temperate places like Sydney.
Popularity
37 people already have this plant 18 people have added this plant to their wishlists