|
|
 |
|
|
| "Reflected Glory" |
Would you believe you could find cactus in the
rainforests? Epiphyllums are true cacti that are native to just such a tropical environment.
These jungle cacti are "epiphytes", or plants that take root and grow in humus pockets of trees. Other
examples of epiphytic plants include orchids and bromeliads. Epiphyllums range from Mexico and the Caribbean through Central
and South America.
Epiphyllum hybrids are commonly referred to as "Orchid Cacti" because of their luminous
blossoms, reminiscent of tropical orchids. In 1978 I read an article about "Orchid Cactus" in the April edition
of "Houseplants and Porch Gardens" magazine. The stunning pictures in that article inspired me to begin
to collect and cultivate "Epis".
|
| "REWARD" a Fort and O'Barr hybrid from the 1950s |
|
|
Like all cacti, epiphyllums have stems but no leaves.
Unlike desert cacti, however, epiphyllums grow grow on trees, not on the ground. They also lack the sharp spines
of their desert cousins.
The tree-dwelling epiphyllum species usually have large white blossoms
that open at night. Terrestrial desert cacti have colorful blossoms that open in the daytime. Since
the early 1800s, plant hobbyists have crossed the epiphyllum and other epiphytic cactus species with colorful day-blooming
desert cacti. As a result, there are now literally thousands of different hybrid epiphyllum varieties, with various rainbow-hued
blossoms. Some of the individual named plants date back over a century, having been continuously propagated by cuttings
down through the years... I have a white variety named "Wrayi" that dates back to 1845.
|
| "Space Rocket" |
Because these hybrid plants have the mixed heritage of different types
of cacti, there can also be some variation in growth habits. The stems can vary depending on the individual plant; ranging
from strap-like and pendant to upright, angled and stocky. Individual plants may have slightly different light and soil
requirements, but in general they are extremely hardy and quite easy to grow.
The night-blooming epiphyllum species usually have a lovely, ethereal fragrance; and many of
the hybrid epis do too!
|
| Note the upright growth habit |
The smaller-blooming varieties produce mass quantities of flowers
that can last up to a week. These small-flowered varieties also tend to bloom over many months. Larger-flowered varieties often
have but a few blossoms that may only last a day or two. The spectacular beauty of the blossoms more
than compensates for their short lifespan.
The height of the flowering season is April through June, but sometimes
you will be rewarded with off-season blooms earlier in the spring or into the late summer.
|
| "German Empress" Nopalxochia Phyllanthoides, a species native to Mexico |
Propagation is ridiculously simple. Take a cutting, let it sit for a week or so to dry the cut end.
Insert the base of the cutting about an inch or two into some damp soil mix.
Next comes the most difficult part, WAITING! Leave alone in a warm, shady spot for several
weeks. You can lightly mist the branches with water to provide some humidity if desired. When you notice some
new growth, you will know that roots have formed, and you can begin to introduce more light and water. It takes usually two seasons after
starting your cutting before the plant will begin to produce flowers.
|
| "Harald Knebel" produces smaller, offseason blooms |
|
|
A smallish pot is ideal, about 3-4" for a single cutting. A clay pot will dry out more quickly than a
plastic pot, and these are better to use if you tend to overwater. A light yet rich soil mix is essential. I use a mixture
of 1/3 potting soil mix (African Violet or Azalea/Camellia mix is good), 1/3 perlite and 1/3 fine orchid
bark (terrestrial orchid mix designed for cymbidiums and paphiopedilums). Some growers recommend a mix of half sphagnum
peat moss and half perlite. Epis like a rich, slightly acid soil mix. Don't use commercial cactus mix, it's much
too alkaline.
|
| Golden Galleon |
|
|
Epis do best in light shade. Some light morning or afternoon
sun is OK, but direct hot mid-day summer sun can burn. Pot them up in a hanging basket, somplace where they receive dappled
sunshine and light breeze.
Mild temperatures between 40-75 degrees F are preferable, but with
some protection they can survive at temperatures into the 30s at night, and into the 90s during the day. With adequate shade
and humidity, mine survive summertime temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. I mist the plants and wet down the surrounding
area to increase the humidity during these hot periods.
Frost can kill the tender new growth. If you live where it
freezes, you must provide protection or take them indoors for the winter. Here in the California inland valley we sometimes
experience a light night frost in the wintertime. Covering the plants with shadecloth, newspaper or packing material
helps. Keeping the plants covered and up close to the house may prevent losses. A greenhouse would be handy!
|
| "King Midas", by Cactus Pete 1939 |
Regular fertilizing during the spring, summer and into the fall will encourage growth and blooms. When the weather
is warm, growth is most active. I have used Osmocote successfully; that's an easy, once-a-year routine. Due to the dogs, and
concerns that they might get into a pot and eat the fertilizer, I've switched to using Kellogg's Organic All-Purpose
fertililzer. This is applied monthly February through October.
|
| "Sakurahime" |
|
| ARGUS blooming in July. |
Snails and slugs are the main pests to watch for, they LOVE to eat the epiphyllum branches! They
can do a lot of damage in a short time. Plants in hanging baskets are usually safe from snail invasion. I did lose a
few plants to snails when I hung some Epi baskets in my trees. Scale and mealybug can also damage the plants.
If these should appear, a systemic insecticide can be used, or you can spray the branches with nontoxic insecticidal
soap, or wipe down the branches with alcohol. Don't ignore these insects, as they can kill your
plant. Scale also can spread quickly throughout your collection (personal experience talking here).
|
| EPIPHYLLUM "ICELAND STAR" |
|
| "Clown" |
|
| "Tele" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
