How to Grow Epiphyllum Cacti: A Complete Guide

Discover everything you need to know about growing epiphyllum cacti with our expert guide. Learn the best tips for caring, watering, and propagating these tropical succulents to ensure healthy growth and stunning blooms.

What Are Epiphyllum Cacti?

Also known as orchid cacti, epiphyllum cacti are tropical succulents with trailing stems and stunning, large flowers. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, these plants thrive as houseplants in the UK and other temperate climates.

Epiphyllum cacti are epiphytes, meaning they grow on tree trunks and branches, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air rather than feeding off their host tree. With a variety of flower colors, including red, white, pink, purple, yellow, and orange, these cacti add an exotic touch to any indoor garden.

One of the most common varieties is the fishbone cactus, often mistaken for an epiphyllum. It was recently reclassified as Disocactus anguliger rather than Epiphyllum anguliger but remains a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts.

Key Growing Conditions for Epiphyllum Cacti

To successfully grow epiphyllum cacti, mimic their natural tropical habitat:

• Light: Bright but indirect sunlight.
• Temperature: At least 15°C in spring and summer; 10-14°C in winter.
• Humidity: High humidity levels are essential.
• Watering: Unlike most cacti, epiphyllums need regular watering and should not be left to dry out completely.

Where to Grow Epiphyllum Cacti

These plants thrive in humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. Keep them away from direct sunlight, and ensure temperatures remain above 15°C in warmer months and around 10-14°C in winter. You might also be interested in learning how to grow a peace lily, another beautiful indoor plant that enjoys similar conditions.

How to Plant Epiphyllum Cacti

• Choose a pot just slightly larger than the rootball to encourage flowering.
• Use a free-draining, peat-free cactus compost or mix perlite or grit into standard compost.
• Handle with care—trailing stems are delicate and break easily.
• Position the plant so the rootball remains at its original depth, then water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain.

Care Tips for Epiphyllum Cacti

• Watering: Keep the compost slightly moist from mid-spring to late summer. Avoid overwatering.
• Humidity: Increase humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray with water just below the surface.
• Flowering Encouragement: In autumn, move your plant to a cooler spot (10–14°C) and reduce watering. Once flower buds appear, return it to warmer conditions (15°C or above).
• Repotting: These plants prefer being slightly root-bound. If repotting is needed, do so after flowering but before winter dormancy.
• Pruning: Remove faded flowers and trim old or overly long stems to encourage fresh growth.

How to Propagate Epiphyllum Cacti

Epiphyllum cacti can be easily propagated from stem cuttings:

1. Take a healthy stem and cut it into 15-20cm sections.
2. Allow the cut ends to dry for a few days to callous over.
3. Insert cuttings vertically, 2.5–5cm deep, into gritty, well-draining compost.
4. Maintain a temperature of 18–24°C; roots should develop within six weeks.

Common Pests and Problems

Epiphyllum cacti are generally resistant to pests and diseases but can experience:

• Failure to Flower: This may result from a lack of a cooler, drier winter period. Keep the plant slightly root-bound and reduce watering in autumn.
• Brown Spots or Discoloration: Likely caused by sun scorch. Keep plants in indirect light.
• Pests: Mealybugs, aphids, and red spider mites can occasionally be an issue. If grown outdoors in summer, watch for slugs and snails.

If you’re dealing with pests in your houseplants, check out our guide on how to get rid of house plant flies to keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Where to Buy Epiphyllum Cacti

• Available mainly from online plant suppliers, often as rooted or unrooted cuttings.
• Be aware that fishbone cacti are frequently sold as epiphyllum cacti but belong to the Disocactus genus.
• Always inspect plants for damage or disease before purchasing.

If you love growing unique houseplants, you might also be interested in our guide on how to grow a yucca plant, another striking and low-maintenance option.

By following these simple care guidelines, you can enjoy the striking beauty of epiphyllum cacti in your home year-round. Happy gardening!