Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus
The plant is also known as orchid cactus because of the flowers which resemble some orchid species.
Epiphyllum orchid cactus. The stems are broad and flat 15 cm broad 35 mm thick usually with lobed edges. Epiphyllum are the gems of the cactus world. Upon the leaf in greek is a genus of 19 species of epiphytic plants in the cactus family cactaceae native to central americacommon names for these species include climbing cacti orchid cacti and leaf cacti though the latter also refers to the genus pereskia. It comes from the greek words epi which means on or upon and phyllon meaning leaf because early botanists considered that the flower came from a leaf which are actually stems.
It yields beautiful flowers that typically open in the evening and bloom for a few days. Commonly called orchid cactus they produce absolutely stunning flowers. We are an international group of hobbyists who grow and enjoy epiphytic cactus hybrids commonly known as epiphyllums orchid cacti or jungle cacti we promote cultivation of epiphyllums and other epiphytic cactus species and provided support and education to growers. Some call them orchid cactus due to their large bright blooms and growth habit.
Epiphytic plants grow on other plants not in a parasitic fashion but as hosts. They are not cold hardy and generally can be found only as houseplants or greenhouse specimens. Mature plants produce big fragrant white flowers in summer. E piphyllum also know as epi cactus orchid cactus jungle cactus or epi for short were discovered in the tropical rain forests of central and south america more than 250 years ago.
Growing an epiphyllum cactus outside of its native habitat is fairly simple but. The epiphyllum cactus is a native brazilian plant that grows in the sides and forks of trees in the canopies of the rain forests. Common name orchid cactus botanical name epiphyllum group houseplant flowering time mainly late spring and summer may august planting time spring autumn april september height and spread up to 3m 10ft by 1m 3ft aspect bright but avoiding direct scorching sunlight in summer hardiness frost tender min. Show it off in a hanging basket and allow the long stems to cascade over the pot.
There are many types of epiphyllum but the majority are epiphytic and live in trees while a few species are terrestrial. Welcome to the epiphyllum society of america. Epiphyllum p f l em. Epiphyllum are some of the most spectacular flowering plants available to todays garden enthusiast.
Epiphyllum are epiphytic cacti as their name suggests. Orchid cactus stems are broad and flat with serrated edges. Flower size ranges from petite to larger than a dinner plate and a color palette from soft subtle tones to. Theyll grow to 2 ft 60 cm long and about 2 in 5 cm wide.