The orchid cactus is a eccentric of hang cactus plant with trailing succulent stems and spectacular colorful cup - work flowers in beautiful shades of white , pink , orange , or red . Orchid cacti have foresightful , flavourless leaf - same stems with serrated or scalloped border , and the stem maturate up to 24 ” ( 60 centimetre ) long and 2 ” ( 5 cm ) wide . The attractive feature of the orchid cactus flora is the muckle of sporty flowers flower at the conclusion of cascading shank .
Mosttypes of cactiare flowering industrial plant . However , for showy displays , orchid cacti have the most stunning and most tremendous of all cactus flower . But unlike many cactus species , types of orchid cactus require specific care to flourish . For example , an orchidcactus needs regular wateringto keep the soil moist .
Another feature of some orchid cacti is that they are night bloomers , and the flowers only egress once a year . However , other orchid cactus plants bloom extravagantly during the day . Most orchid cacti have expectant , fragrant flowers that tote up mountain of colour tohanging baskets .
This article is a usher to the many types of spectacular orchid cactus that you may originate at home . You will also retrieve out which orchid cacti efflorescence during the dark and which hybrids bloom during the daylight .
What is Orchid Cactus?
Orchid cactus
Orchid cactus ( Epiphyllum ) is an epiphytic plant life with broad , flat stems , lobed edges , and large , gaudy flowers . As a case of epiphytic plant , the orchid cactus absorb nutrients from the gentle wind and its surroundings . This growth feature is likemany orchid , which is why they are called orchid cacti .
Epiphyllum hybrids are also democratic and produce trailing succulents with flowers in many shades and sizes . Most orchid cactus hybrids are a cross between species ofEpiphyllumandDisocactus . Orchid cacti also have the unwashed name climbing cacti , leafage cacti , epicacti , or just epis .
orchidaceous plant cacti are a type of succulent works . This means that they do n’t have leaves . However , their fleshy stems with rounded lobed edges look like foliage and are sometimes referred to as leaf . Like succulents , the leafy stem on orchid cacti do n’t have spines or jagged edges .
Cactus plants in theEpiphyllumorDisocactusgenus thrive outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12 .
Like most cacti plants , orchid cacti are fruit - producing plants . The oval , edible fruits measure about 3 ” ( 7 curium ) long . The delicious gustation of orchid cactus fruit is discover as sweet pitaya or Draco yield .
Orchid Cactus Flowers
Queen of the night ( Epiphyllum oxypetalum ) prime
Orchid cactus flowers are showy , fragrant , and colored . The attractive cactus flowers feature huge , cupful - shaped flower made up of between seven and 20 petals and can measure 3 ” to 6 ” ( 8 – 16 cm ) across . Flowers on the ending of orchid cactus stems can be blanched , yellow , pinkish , violent , or bi - colored .
SomeEpiphyllumflowers , such as thequeen of the Nox cactus , have flowers that look like a cupful and dish aerial . Other types of orchid cactus flowers have thin , spreading petals in a sensation cast . at last , the showiest orchid cactus flowers have an copiousness of colorful petals with retentive , pop out stamens and a central stigma in the shopping center of the round flower .
A feature film of flowers on orchid cactus hybrids is that they produce a fresh odour . For example , some of the white orchid cactus metal money have olfactory property that can satiate a way when they bloom during the nighttime . In warm mood , the scent of queen of the night flowers can be detected up to a after part of a mile by ( 400 m ) .
An orchid cactus in bloom is a sensational sight to behold . Masses of colorful flowers efflorescence on the closing of tenacious cascading stems . Orchid cactus hybrids that flower during the day blossom depend on their color . Typically , orchid cacti with white or jaundiced efflorescence bloom in former outpouring ; pink and reds in May ; and June and July for the other colors .
To further blooming , it ’s necessary to assure the trailing plant gets plenty of sunlight and is slightly root - bound . Also , a low - atomic number 7 fertiliser will give the plant the necessary nutrients to produce an abundance of blooms that will last a few weeks . First , however , please check the sun requirement — some orchid cactus hybrid do better in partial shade or dappled sunlight .
Night - blooming orchid cactus typically only blooms during one evening in the year . For exercise , the queen of the nighttime cactus blossom during June and July . bloom may start between 8 promethium and 10 post-mortem , and the showy white peak will be opened fully in a few hours . However , by dawn , the beautiful flowers wilt and die .
Orchid Cactus Care
To care for an orchid cactus , grow the epiphyllum in a light , well - debilitate potting mixture , bright indirect light , and average elbow room temperature . Water the orchid cactus when the top 1 ” ( 2.5 centimeter ) of soil is dry . apply a balanced plant food in bound and fall and a modest - N fertiliser in late wintertime to encourage flower .
When caring for this cactus , the goal is to keep the flora in bright light , moist dirt , and sensitive to high humidness . To ensure bloom , the orchid cactus needs cooler temperatures of 50 ° F to 60 ° F for a few hebdomad in winter . alas , orchid cacti are n’t dusty - patient of and will die in temperature below 35 ° F ( 1.6 ° C ) .
Related meter reading : Orchid Cactus ( Epiphyllum Cactus ): Care and Growing Guide .
Orchid Cactus Types
lease ’s front in more item at the stunning types of epiphyllum you’re able to grow indoors or , in warm climate , outdoors .
Queen of the Night Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Queen of the night cactus ( orchid cactus oxypetalum )
Thequeen of the night cactusis the most popular eccentric of night - blooming orchid cactus . The ornamental cactus industrial plant has broad , flat scalloped stems , immense white showy flowers , and let out a sweet aroma . The overweight leaf - like stems can produce up to 20 ft . ( 6 m ) long in ideal stipulation .
The queen of the Nox cactus lead by other name such as night - flower genus Cereus , lady of the night , and Dutchman ’s tobacco pipe .
fagot of the dark cactus has flattened stems that appear profusely on the plant . In addition , the long preparation nature of the succulent “ leaves ” make this plant life anideal succulent for hang baskets .
Queen of the night cactus produces purplish - crimson , oblong fruits that can grow around 5 ” ( 12 cm ) long and 3 ” ( 8 cm ) widely . The mellisonant , fleshy fruit have a delicious taste like dragon fruit .
Orchid cactus flush : Queen of the night cactus flowers are orotund , pure - white cup - form flowers in a star pattern . The orchid cactus flowers measure up to 6 ” ( 15 atomic number 96 ) wide . The snow - white funnel heyday have lank petals forming a champion shape at their home .
German Empress (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
The German empress is an decorative orchidaceous plant cactus in the genusDisocactus . The characteristics of this attractive flowering cactus are flatten stems grow 3 ft . ( 1 m ) long , funnel shape - shaped pink flowers , and small ellipse yield that are red when fledged . The orchid cactus grows best in average temperatures , shade , and above - mediocre humidness .
Orchid cactus bloom : The German empress flowers are pink and cup - shaped and grow 4 ” ( 10 cm ) retentive and 3.5 ” ( 9 cm ) wide . Unlike the queen mole rat of the Nox , German empress flowers do n’t have a scent , and they blossom during the day
Epiphyllum Pumilum
Epiphyllum pumilum
Epiphyllum pumilumis an orchid cactus with 4 – 6″ ( 10–15 curium ) wizard - shaped white flowers and long arching scalloped stems . This orchid cactus is a nighttime - blooming cactus that has heavily scented flower when it blooms once a twelvemonth . The heyday bloom on the end of long fore .
OrnamentalEpiphyllum pumilumcacti require fond shade and plenty of humidity to thrive . Unfortunately , the lowest temperature the tropic forest works can outlast is 53 ° F ( 12 ° ) . Nevertheless , with the proper care , the hang orchidaceous plant will bloom in summertime or former declination .
orchid cactus pumilumproduces small ellipse fruit that are 1 ” ( 2.5 centimetre ) long and have a cherubic sense of taste .
Orchid cactus blossom : TheEpiphyllum pumilumflowers consist of thin spindly petal forming a creamy - white star behind a bowl - shaped efflorescence .
Climbing Cactus (Epiphyllum phyllanthus)
Climbing cactus ( Epiphyllum phyllanthus )
The climb cactus is a multi - stemmed epiphytic cactus with thin , flatten succulent leafage , and white showy star - shaped sweet efflorescence growing on the end of 12 ” ( 30 cm ) long stems . Like other night - bloom orchidaceous plant cacti , this plant prefers good deal of sunlight and moist grime to thrive .
Orchid cactus flower : The climbing cactus flowers are relatively minuscule equate to other orchid cacti . The creamy - lily-white flowers feature a small loving cup - shaped nitty-gritty and rays or white or greenish - whitened petals forming a maven .
Crenate Orchid Cactus (Disocactus crenatus)
Crenate orchidaceous plant cactus ( Disocactus crenatus )
The crenate orchid cactus is a nocturnal cactus with enormous white trough - shaped flower and level woody stems that are up to 2 ft . ( 60 curium ) long and 4 ” ( 10 curium ) wide . The big peak bloom on the end of stem that are 7 ” – 12 ” ( 18 – 30 centimeter ) long . Unlike other night - blooming orchid , the crenate orchidaceous plant cactus flowers last for a few days .
Orchid cactus efflorescence : The spectacular crenate orchid cactus flower are white cup - shape flower with an overt class that value up to 8 ” ( 20 cm ) wide . Behind the showy flower are pinkish - white running petals take form a briery disc . Showy yellowish curled stamens fill the center of the prime .
Epiphyllum guatemalense
One of the most unusual orchidaceous plant cacti is the curlyEpiphyllum guatamalense . This striking hanging succulent has drop green stem that twisting and turn , create curly locks . The whirl , arc stems arise up to 5 foot . ( 1.5 m ) long . This oculus - catch orchid cactus goes by the namesEpiphyllum guatamalense‘Monstrose , ’ ‘ Curly Locks , ’ and ‘ Curly Sue . ’
Epiphyllum guatemalenseorchid cactus flowers are bloodless and measure 3 ” ( 7.5 centimetre ) broad and 6 ” ( 15 centimetre ) long . The flowers only open during the night in the blooming season of early summer . The comestible fruit are testicle - shaped , purple - red in color .
Epiphyllum Baueri
Epiphyllum baueri
TheEpiphyllum baueriorchid cactus flush are pretty star - shaped with pointed linear flower petal . The attractive characteristic of this nocturnal orchid is the dainty orange cup - similar bloom in the middle . The dark - blossom flowers have long , showy pink stamen in full salad days , and the white petals point downwards toward the base .
Epiphyllum Laui
Epiphyllum laui
The orchidaceous plant cactusEpiphyllum lauihas large white bowl - shape blanched flowers produce on the remnant of 6 ” ( 15 cm ) recollective stems . TheEpiphyllum lauiorchid flower are 6 ” ( 15 cm ) astray . The unusual feature of the orchid cactus is the spindly orangish linear petals forming rays behind the cupful - shaped flowers .
Epiphyllum hookeri
Epiphyllum hookeriorchid cactus flower consist of pointed white linear petals that form a beam of light phonograph record . The beautiful delicate petal turn upwards to shape a cup shape . In the center of the bloom are showy white stamen and one central stamen with a pink stigma and yellow or orange top .
Epiphyllum ‘Miss America’
The orchid cactus heyday on theEpiphyllum‘Miss America ’ are a outstanding deep red . The scarlet petals form a wiz shape with a red loving cup - like flower in the center . The sensational red orchid cactus flowers blossom in spring and summer if the weather is warm and humid .
Epiphyllum ‘Unforgettable’
The stunning orchid cactus flowers on theEpiphyllum‘Unforgettable ’ are late pink or grim red . The beautiful ovate flower petal form on several row to create a flashy rosette - like orchidaceous plant peak . have a bun in the oven the attractive efflorescence to bloom in former natural spring .
Epiphyllum ‘Wendy’
TheEpiphyllum‘Wendy ’ has attractive pink cactus orchid flowers with pointed elliptical petals that form a funnel shape form . At the bag of the flower , long , pointed linear petals form a beam disc to bestow to the showiness of this orchid cactus . Unfortunately , like most day - blooming orchid cacti , there is no scent from the showy pinkish blossom .
Epiphyllum ‘King Midas’
The orchid cactus flowers on theEpiphyllum‘King Midas ’ are pastel Orange River or pink flowers that are about the size of your hand . Beautiful oblong great - tinge petal form a fundamental cup - shaped blossom with long and white fuzzed stamens in the center .
Epiphyllum ‘George French’
The hybridEpiphyllum‘George French ’ cactus flowers are huge cup - form lily-white or yellow bloom with showy yellowish - lily-white stamen . Like most showy orchid cactus flower , the bloom have one-dimensional petals forming a adept - shaped dish antenna . The xanthous orchid cactus peak measure 6 ” ( 15 atomic number 96 ) across .
Epiphyllum ‘Helmut Oetken’
The orchid cactus hybridEpiphyllum ’ Helmut Oetken ’ has beautiful white and pink showy flowers . The outwards turning white petals form a cup shape in the center . This is environ by a ray of light pink or white pointed oblong flower petal .
Epiphyllum ‘Chichicastenango’
TheEpiphyllum‘Chichicastenango ’ is a hunky-dory example of dewy-eyed yet attractive bloom with creamy - ashen petal . Ten to 12 flower petal spring the loving cup - shaped center , and there is a ray of brownish petals forming a ray disc .
Epiphyllum ‘Punch Bowl’
One of the most striking orchid cactus peak is theEpiphyllum‘Punch Bowl . ’ The jazzy deep pinkish orchidaceous plant cactus flowers are white in the cup - shaped gist with a dense cluster of pure clean stamen . Like all showy orchid cactus blossom , rays of long colourful petals form a star - corresponding disk beneath the blossom .
Epiphyllum ‘Deutsche Kaiserin’
The pinkish efflorescence of the orchid cactusEpiphyllum‘Deutsche Kaiserin ’ have a light pinkish funnel shape - shaped center with brilliantly livid stamens . Open linear or oblong darker pink flower petal form a ray magnetic disk surrounding the showy pink bloom .
Epiphyllum ‘Madras Ribbon’
Large pinkish crinkled petals characterize the flamboyant heyday of the orchid cactus ‘ Madras Ribbon . ’ Three or four rows of flower petal in a rosette shape huge striking peak that contrast with the dark green scallop stems . to boot , the yellowish - white stamen add to the dramatic look of these orchid cactus flowers .
Epiphyllum ‘Anton Gunther’
The large pink flowers on the orchid cactusEpiphyllum ‘ Anton Gunther ’ produce a spectacular flowered display when the cactus is in bloom . The enormous pinkish orchidaceous plant blossom appraise around 6 ” ( 15 cm ) across and bloom on the ends of long stems . Also , feathery stamens with a central tumid light pink mark add to the blossom ’s showiness .
Epiphyllum Truncatum
The orchid cactusEpiphyllum truncatumhas bright red showy flower growing on the end of segmented green stem . TheEpiphyllum truncatumlooks like a Christmas cactus with small funnel shape - form flushed flowers and arching succulent stems . The violent prime have a tussock of creamy blank stamens and long protruding red brand .
Epiphyllum ‘Five’
The orchidaceous plant cactusEpiphyllum‘Five ’ has small light pink cupful - shaped flowers that droop from the ends of long green cactus stems . The light pink funnel flowers have yellow stamens in the gist and a undivided white brand .
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