A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Methods and Precautions for the Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum)

The orchid cactus is an epiphytic succulent in the cactus family (Cactaceae), native to the tropical rainforest regions of the Americas. Its stem segments are flat and thick, with wavy, undulating edges that resemble the arrow-shaped tokens used to issue orders in ancient times, which is how it got its name. It blooms every spring and summer, with large and showy flowers in a variety of colors such as red, pink, purple and white. The flowers open during the day, and it is often grown as a potted plant to accent balconies, living rooms and other spots.

It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded growing environment, and dislikes intense direct sun and severe cold. In spring and autumn it can receive more sunlight, while in summer it needs appropriate shading to keep the stem segments from being scorched. It is not cold-hardy in winter, so it should be moved indoors for warmth and watered less to let it enter dormancy smoothly.

For cultivation, use a loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil, which can be made by mixing leaf mold with garden soil and coarse sand. Watering should follow the principle of letting the soil dry out between waterings; never let water sit in the pot for long periods, or the stem segments will easily become soft and rot. Slightly restricting water during the bud-forming stage helps promote flowering. During the growing season, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer, and supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer before flowering. If too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, the plant tends to grow leggy stem segments and is slow to bloom.

Propagation is mainly by cuttings: in spring, cut healthy stem sections, let the wounds dry, then insert them into slightly moist sandy soil and keep them warm and humid; they will soon take root and survive. Grafting can also be used for propagation. If in daily care the plant only grows stem segments without flowering, it is usually related to insufficient light, improper fertilizing, or winter temperatures that are too high and a lack of dormancy. Adjust the care methods in time, and the plant will be able to form buds and bloom normally.