An orchid cactus, also known as the Orchid Cactus or Leaf Cactus, is a fascinating group of epiphytic cacti known for their striking, often nocturnal blooms. They are easy to grow and require moist, well-drained soil and bright indirect sunlight. To care for an orchid cactus, follow these guidelines in terms of light, temperature, fertilizer, and watering.
Orchid cactus grow best in warm, humid, and shady spots that replicate their tropical forest natural habitat. They can be moved temporarily outdoors in summer into a warm, lightly shaded spot. During the growing season, from spring to autumn, they should be kept above 15°C (60°F).
Orchid cacti are night bloomers that make for excellent houseplants and are perfect for beginner growers. For best growth, give yours plenty of light but not full sun – protection from the hottest and brightest part of the day (around 15°C).
For best growth, give yours plenty of light but not full sun – protection from the hottest and brightest part of the day (around 15°C). If you live in a dry area, consider placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a bit of water. Use a well-draining and airy cactus or succulent soil mix.
Orchid cacti grow best from leaf cuttings, which can be pressed straight into the garden bed without needing to root them first. Morning sun will help maintain their health and growth.
In summary, orchid cacti are easy to grow and require specific care guidelines in terms of light, temperature, fertilizer, and watering. They thrive in warm, humid, and shady spots that replicate their tropical forest natural habitat.
📹 Orchid Cactus – Breathtaking Blooms!
The Orchid Cactus, known scientifically as Epiphyllum, is a captivating specimen in the cactus family, renowned for its …
📹 FLOWERING ORCHID CACTUS – Epiphyllum & Disocactus Growing Tips to Get Orchid Cactus to Bloom
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I am in Johannesburg South Africa….. i am SO pleased that I found your articles when looking for information on cattleyas ….your information is extremely helpful and ‘to the point ‘and i have a Lot of plants as well as a greenhouse ….I have subscribed to your website because it is probably the best I have ever found on utube .THANK YOU.
Thanks for the information. I’ve had one for about 20 years but haven’t had much blooms. It also looked wild and gangly. I recently cut it back and I’m rooting the leaves. After seeing this article, I realize I need to stress the plant to get it to bloom. Hopefully next year I’ll get some blooms! Thanks.
I’d like to try these under trees. Tropical epiphytes do well in the ground here in south west coastal Florida because we don’t typically have any real topsoil here. We have white sand instead. White sand doesn’t hold any moisture so here at ground level under trees, it’s a similar humid but free draining, frost-free growing environment as would be found up in the trees in the true tropics. Frost sometimes forms at the tops of trees and shrubs here but not usually at ground level.
Hola bonito día… Me encantó su article sobre todo que explica muy bien todo, tengo una planta que compré hace aproximadamente 2 años y he tenido muchos problemas con ella, aún no me dot por vencida pero casi, tuvo cochinilla, otra cosa que parecían ojitos pero como hojuelas ahora veo manchas en las hojas, en fin se me ha complicado mucho, así es que si pudiera hacer un article acerca se sus enfermedades y cómo curarlas sería genial… Saludos desde la Cd de México
One of my favorites too! But how come you don’t have the Fern Cactus? That is one of my personal favorites!! I picked up a tiny fishbone cactus at Home Depot last summer, had about 2 inch spikes and very sparse pot; placed it out on the deck, full sun actually, and it exploded with growth!! Stems are 1-2 feet long already and growing. Cant wait to put it back outside once it’s warm enough. I’m in NH so that will be awhile, for now, she sits in a west window with several hours of a grow light in the AM
Oh wow this was really helpful! I have Hooker’s Orchid cactus that’s been in our family for years and it does bloom sometimes, but it has gotten all leggy and spindly and frankly rather unattractive and now I know why – I have not been giving it what it needs to thrive! Definitely going to make changes going forward, wish us luck! 😄
Do you have a article about Night-blooming Cereus? I have several. I know two of them desperately need repotting, due to lots of roots hanging out of the bottom of the pots. I had one with 11 blooms this past summer, usually it blooms only 1 or 2. We had a brutally hot summer here, near San Antonio, TX.
I’m going to look, but in case you don’t have one… What’s the process to get it to be full like this? Should we do the cuttings like this multiple times? Also, I have mine outside now for Summer in Arkansas. It did well through the Winter inside. Is there a best time of year to do cuttings? Could I add the cuttings into the same pot after they take root?
Hi I am new to growing these plants. I have a Epiphyllum and NB cactus and I wanted to ask if they bloom once the plant are a certain size? If so how big before I can see it bloom? Also I live in NV, and I have my both plants outdoors under the porch & patio. They do not get any direct sun. Is that a problem? Also I have them on the drip system. Is that good? Can I feed miracle grow? How often in our summer ? TYIA.
Hi we have been following you on QVC as well you show here, I bought that same plant from you on QVC I didn’t know the name of the flower until now I see it here dicocactus. I have seen some similar called Gold Charm. I never find a smell on any of my Epipyllum plants and I have about 40 verities how can o get a smell out of my plants