How to Grow Epiphyllum? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Other Names for Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum, also known as He Lingjian, Red Peacock, Lotus Lingjian, Peacock Cactus and so on, is a perennial evergreen epiphytic plant of the genus Epiphyllum in the cactus family. Because its stems are flat and lanceolate, shaped like a lingjian (arrow-shaped token), and its flowers resemble water lilies, it is called Epiphyllum.

Morphological Characteristics of Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum is an epiphytic cactus plant with erect stems, many branches, growing in shrub-like clumps, about 50 to 100 cm tall. The main stem at the base of the plant is slender and round, while the branches are flat and shaped like a lingjian, green in color. The edges of the stems are bluntly toothed. The recessed parts of the teeth bear areoles with fine spines 0.3 to 0.5 cm long. The midrib of the flat stems protrudes distinctly. Flowers emerge from the areoles on both sides of the stem nodes, with slender floral tubes and large trumpet-shaped blooms that open during the day; a single flower lasts only 1 to 2 days. Flower colors include purplish red, bright red, pink, carmine, yellow, white, blue-purple and so on. They bloom during the day in summer, with a flowering period from 5~7. The fruit is an oval red berry, and the seeds are black. There are two species in this genus; the other is the small-flowered Epiphyllum, which has small flowers borne in dense clusters and is bright red.

Growth Habits of Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum prefers a warm and humid environment, avoids direct sunlight, tolerates drought and partial shade, and fears rain exposure. It requires fertile, loose, well-drained neutral or slightly acidic sandy loam. The optimum temperature during the growing season is 20-25°C, the optimum temperature for flower bud differentiation is between 10-15°C, the winter temperature must not fall below 5°C, and the flowering period is in 4.

The Flower Language and Legend of Epiphyllum

The flower language of Epiphyllum is reminiscence. With its delicate, graceful beauty, its brilliant and dazzling colors, its tenacious vitality and its enchanting fragrance, Epiphyllum is very popular and beloved. Especially in midsummer, when the Peacock Cactus blooms brilliantly, it is an excellent decoration for windows, entrance halls and balconies at home.

It is said that long, long ago in tribal life, two Dai tribes lived in Xishuangbanna. Because of disputes over territory and power, they fought in successive years of war, and many people from both tribes were killed or wounded. At this time, a son and a daughter of the two tribal chiefs were deeply in love with each other.

The fighting continued. One day, the chief of one tribe told his son to take the chief's lingjian to summon their people, preparing to launch a surprise attack on the other side the next morning and begin a general offensive. The chief's son opposed the war, so he took the lingjian to see the daughter of the other tribal chief, who was his lover. The two agreed to meet in the dense forest and discuss how to end the war. However, they thought until dawn and still could not come up with a good plan. In utter helplessness, they could only hold lotus flowers symbolizing beauty and peace, embrace each other and take their own lives. After the chiefs of both sides learned of this, they deeply regretted their foolish actions. So they burned incense together and made an oath, and the two sides were reconciled as before.

Not long afterward, from the grave where the young couple was buried together, clumps upon clumps of green plants very much like lingjian grew, bearing beautiful flowers like lotus blossoms. These are the Peacock Cactus, Epiphyllum, that people see today.

Uses and Value of Epiphyllum

1. Ornamental value. Epiphyllum has many flower colors and varieties, and is deeply loved for its delicate, graceful form, brilliant colors and rich fragrance. It is mainly grown as a potted ornamental, and in greenhouses a mix of varieties is often used to enhance the ornamental effect. Used to decorate windows, balconies and porches in living rooms and studies, it is an excellent indoor potted flower with fine color, form and fragrance.

2. Medicinal value. The stems of Epiphyllum can be used as medicine and have the effect of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain.