Epiphyllum chrysocardium (Fern Leaf Cactus)

Epiphyllum spp.

Cactaceae Tropical Central and South America

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Epiphyllum is a genus of about 15 epiphytic cacti in the family Cactaceae, native to the tropical forests of Central and South America and the Caribbean, where they grow perched on trees rather than in the ground. They are known as orchid cacti for their large flowers. In place of leaves and rounded stems, the plants have long, flattened, strap-like green stems with notched or scalloped margins, which arch and trail to 1 to 10 ft (0.3 to 3 m). The funnel-shaped flowers are very large, 4 to 12 in (10 to 30 cm) across, white or cream in the wild species; many open at night and are strongly fragrant, as in E. oxypetalum, the queen of the night, whose blooms last a single night. Countless hybrids extend the colour range to pink, red, and orange. Grown as houseplants and in frost-free gardens, they need warmth, bright but filtered light, and a coarse, free-draining mix, and they rot if kept cold and wet.

Native Range

Native to tropical and subtropical Central and South America and the Caribbean, from Mexico through Central America to Brazil, growing as epiphytes in humid forest, rooted in bark, moss, and leaf debris on tree branches.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a hanging or trailing houseplant and in greenhouses and conservatories for the large flowers, and outdoors in frost-free, shaded gardens. The arching stems suit hanging baskets and raised containers. Night-flowering kinds are grown for their fragrant, short-lived blooms.

How to Identify

A trailing epiphytic cactus with long, flat, green, strap-shaped stems that have notched or wavy margins and no true leaves or obvious spines. Aerial roots form along the stems. The very large, funnel-shaped flowers arise from notches in the stem margins, white in wild species and often opening and scented at night.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 10'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

Spring Summer

Most species flower from late spring into summer. Many open their flowers at night, each bloom lasting only a night or a day, though a plant may open several over a season. Night-flowering species, including the queen of the night, are powerfully fragrant while open.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to cream in species; pink, red, orange in hybrids

Foliage Description

Green, flattened stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Orchid cacti grow in bright, indirect light in a coarse, very free-draining mix such as one made for epiphytes or bromeliads, never in dense, wet soil. They prefer warmth, with a winter minimum around 50F (10C), and are damaged by frost. Watering is regular in the growing season and reduced in winter, letting the mix dry between waterings, which also helps trigger flowering. A slightly acid medium, pH about 5.5 to 6.5, suits them. The flattened stems can scorch in direct midday sun, so filtered light is used. Plants flower more freely when slightly pot-bound and given a cool, drier winter rest.

Pruning

Long or untidy stems can be cut back after flowering, and the cut sections root easily to make new plants. Removing a few of the oldest stems keeps growth manageable. Damaged or shrivelled stems are trimmed away at any time.