Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus

Epiphyllum is an epiphytic cactus and usually grows on other plants as host, taking nutrients and shelter from the host plant. It has broad, flat, leaflike stems scalloped on the edge.

The flowers are large in diameter with numerous petals in white or red color. Epiphyllum is the best choice for hanging baskets due to its jointed stems that grow long producing vine-like structures.

Take a stem cutting in spring or summer. Make a clean cut on new growth and allow the end to callus for a couple of days. Push the callused end into clean potting soil that is moderately moist. Place the container in bright indirect light and keep soil misted. It can take 3 to 6 weeks for the cutting to root.

These cacti grow in tropical forests. They appreciate cool temperatures and shortened light periods especially early morning and evening sun.

Epiphyllum produces fruit which looks similar to kiwifruit and tastes like dragon fruit. People of Amazon basin use epiphyllum in brewed tea which is known to produce a hallucinogenic effect.