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When it comes to cacti , the unimaginative plump , ribbed , and spiny desert plants like the Ferocactus and Mammillaria add up into head that the thought of them growing on tree diagram is quite flaky .
However , there aretypes of cactuswhich not just arise on other industrial plant but also look bushier and require less sunlight than most cacti . One of them is the prominent Epiphyllum .
What is an Epiphyllum?
Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytic cactus that grows on the airfoil of other plants obtaining food and moisture from the air and rain . The Greek word for “ upon the leaf , ” epiphyllum literally refer to the flowers borne on the plants ’ foliage . They are also commonly prognosticate “ leaf cacti ” although technically , these are not leave but specialised stems and branch that go as leave ( 1 ) .
The peculiar leaves of jungle cacti , such as those of the genus Epiphyllum , are a telling signboard of their identity .
They are native to the tropic rainforests of Mexico and Central and South America . While there are only 16 to 20 recorded epiphyllum species , there are over 13,000 hybrids showcasing a chain of shape and form with fragrant flowers in almost every colouration too .
Established in 1813 by the English botanist , epiphyllums have flattened or triangular stanch which deport photosynthesis in the absence of leaves .
Unlike other cacti , orchid cactus staunch are without acantha and with reduced bristles . They mould branches which droop . From the connecting points of these branches grow showy multi - petalled flowers , most prime in the twenty-four hours , some bloom in the Nox .
The original Eysenck Personality Inventory specie produce white flowers but through crossbreeding , more colors now live . They look like and have the habit of orchidaceous plant , hence the mutual name Orchid cactus . Most growers also call them by the soubriquet “ epis ” ( 1 ) .
How to Care for and Orchid Cactus
Epis or Orchid cacti are popular hanging house plants for a reason . They are summary and profuse bloomers and do not require a lot of tending . They can easily adapt to varying indoor and outdoor conditions and are more often than not secure near ducky and children .
Light and Water
Perched on other plants , often under the shade of tree canopy in the wild , epis are adapted to dappled short conditions . Unlike desert cacti which can stand firm a long duration of full sunshine , they prefer partial shade . Howerver , too much light can cause your plant life to droop and jaundiced .
Full exposure from fall to early give is beneficial to further flower and strong growth .
Since they are capable of harnessing moisture from the atm , manual watering should be temperate . Frequent misting is preferred just to keep the stems and aeriform radical hydrated . As they by nature grow in organic materials on tree branch , their root arrangement can tolerate adequate moisture all year rotund ( 2 ) .
Temperature and Humidity
Orchid cactus can bear varying temperatures throughout the year , but before frost settles , they must be moved indoors . During winter , they can live up to 50 ° F ( 10 ° cytosine ) but it is crucial to keep in nous that the potting soil should stay pretty teetotal to avert winter terms and putrefaction of the plant . They ask a rest during this period so stop watering for a month ( 3 ) . The ice chest , dry weather condition can encourage them to mold flower buds .
These cacti are adapted to comparatively gamey humidity than their relative plants so during the height of summer , keep them near a water source or spray with piss from time to time for proper hydration .
Pests and Diseases
Although they are not as overweight as the common cactus , epiphyllums are still susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites attack . Their stem surfaces are broad and these pests can exist on both side so vigilantly watch out for them ( 3 ) . An infestation of fungus gnats may leave from overwatering .
lotion of dilute Malus pumila cyder vinegar or rubbing alcohol by spray is often an good menage remedy .
Propagating Epiphyllum and Maintenance
orchidaceous plant cacti reproduce with their own seeds . Breeders can easy get hybrids by crossing one species to another and the result fruit called “ apple ” produces thousands of about 2 mm grim seed .
Each flora grown from seed takes up to 6 to 7 years before they mature and start raise flowers .
More handily , they can be propagated by base cuttings . A fore can be removed from the mother plant and grant to get callosity . Once it has heal , it is treated with a rooting endocrine before establish into a escaped , moist , and well drain potting mix ( 1 ) .
Another popular way of growing EPI among growers is by grafting upon the stem of a Pereskia . This produces established plants that can withstand strong winds when site outdoors or even indoors and allows a better display of the droop habit of the succulent stems ( 4 ) .
epiphyllum are used to growing in innate constitutive deposits on tree arm so pot them expect a loose and coarse constitutive grease premix . They will not tolerate a sensitive that retain too much water and gets compact easily over a light period of sentence .
A recommend premix is made of equal persona coarse peat moss , coarse sand or perlite and cow manure with ½ part chop charcoal gray and bone meal
prime come out in the summertime or drop , and as soon as the first blooming full stop has passed , it is advisable to repot the plant to replenish the cactus soil nutrients and promote unconstipated flush . Moving forward , potting can be done every 2 to 3 years . tidy sum - bind plants may call for unconstipated program of dilute melted fertilizer during the growing season ( 2 ) .
The Orchid cactus as a houseplant is often grown in hanging baskets to accent its fascinating drooping stems and a showy show of peak during the bloom period .
Those produce in pot can do good from venture and tying . This will provide support to the stems that be given to grow long and provide the individual branches to bloom in the age to come .
Best Orchid Cactus to Grow at Home
E. anguliger (Fishbone cactus)
This strange orchid cactus has cascading wavy stems that take care like fishbone , hence the vulgar name . The night - blooming bloom are clean and scented and turn into belittled edible unripe fruit with a taste similar to gooseberries .
E. oxypetalum (Queen of the Night cactus)
Queen of the Nightis a night - flower cactus native to Mexico and Brazil . The slender , flat stems can extend up to 20 ft ( 6 m ) and are deeply around - toothed . The white flowers that grow as expectant as 10 in ( 25 cm ) long are amply fragrant but often last for just one nighttime .
Epiphyllum hybrid “Grace Ann”
This hybrid orchid cactus extravagantly produces crowing ruffled flowers that range from luminosity to deep purple in color . These are carry on strong vertical stems once they ’ve grown about 4 foot ( 1.2 m ) long .
E. phyllanthus (Climbing cactus)
This short species hails from Panama and Peru . The branches are oblong in configuration and reach from 1 ½ to 3 in wide-cut . The blossom are white with pinkish hints at the center .
E. hookeri (Hooker’s orchid cactus)
One of the longer species native to the northerly section of South America , E. hookeri climbs up to 30 ft ( 9 m ) high with its blunt - toothed prow . The 8 in longflowers also bloom at nightand provide glow with their livid color .
FAQs
Do orchid cactus only bloom at dark ?
orchidaceous plant cacti , such as Epiphyllum coinage , primarily bloom at nighttime . The peak often spread in the evening and remain open through the night , withering by the next 24-hour interval .
How often do orchid cactus bloom ?
orchidaceous plant cacti can bloom multiple times a year , typically during the spring and former summertime . The frequency of blooming may motley look on factor such as the plant ’s geezerhood , wellness , and produce condition .
Why is my orchid cactus not blossom ?
Several broker can contribute to an orchid cactus not bloom , include deficient light , short food , or emphasize from overwatering or underwatering . Ensure the plant receive proper care , including vivid but collateral sparkle or filter light , regular fertilization during the growing time of year , and appropriate watering practice to promote blooming .
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you could grow Epiphyllum cacti as a playfulness and rewarding experience . These tropic succulent are prosperous to give care for and can get burnished , large , fragrant , and night - blooming flowers in the spring or summertime .
With the right care , they can grow up to 10 feet marvelous and showcase their beautiful efflorescence . So , if you ’re looking for an easy - to - grow , slow - growing toilet plant , Epiphyllum cacti are a corking choice
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Reference List :
( 1 ) Euser , B.Gardening among Friends : 65 hard-nosed Essays by Master Gardeners.2005 . Traveler ’s Tales . P. 228 .
( 2 ) Everett , T.The New York Botanical Garden Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horticulture.1980 . Courier Corporation . P. 3601 .
( 3 ) Bailey , F. & Allaway , Z.Practical Cactus and Succulent Book.2019 . Penguin . P. 224 .
( 4)The Oregon Naturalist.1891 . University of Michigan . Iss . 1 - 7 . P. 17 .
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