How to grow epiphyllum cacti

Epiphyllum cacti are epiphytes, which means they grow on the branches or trunks of trees. They don't parasitise their host tree, instead they absorb water and nutrients from the humid atmosphere around them.

There are many different types of epiphyllum cacti, with flower colours including red, white, pink, purple, yellow or orange. Stems tend to be long and flat, with scalloped edges. One of the most common epiphyllum cacti is the fishbone cactus, which is most commonly available from garden centres and other large suppliers of house plants. However, this is technically not an epiphyllum as it was recently reclassified into the Disocactus genus. It's now known as Disocactus anguliger rather than Epiphyllum anguliger.

Epiphyllum cacti typically have a trailing habit, with stems up to 60cm long. They are often grown on shelves or in hanging pots, where their trailing stems can be shown off to good effect.

How to grow epiphyllum cacti

The key to growing epiphyllum cacti with success is to recreate the tropical conditions they are used to. They need bright but indirect light, temperatures of at least 15ºC in spring and summer, and high levels of humidity. Unlike most cacti, epiphyllum cacti do best out of direct sunlight and need high humidity and regular watering.

Where to grow epiphyllum cacti

Grow epiphyllum cacti in a humid room such as a bathroom or kitchen. Keep out of bright, direct light and ensure temperatures remain above 15ºC in spring and summer, but around 10-14ºC in winter.

How to plant epiphyllum cacti

Choose a pot slightly bigger than the rootball, as they are more likely to flower when slightly pot-bound.

Use a free-draining compost such as a peat-free cactus compost, or add grit or perlite to a multi-purpose compost.

Be gentle with the long trailing stems, which break easily.

Position the plant so its rootball is at the same depth it was previously. Firm in well and water thoroughly, allowing the water to drain.

Caring for epiphyllum cacti

From mid-spring to late summer, water regularly to keep the compost slightly moist but not soggy. Water whenever it begins to dry out, and let the excess drain away. Don't leave plants standing in water.

If you need to, raise humidity by standing the pot on a tray of pebbles, with the water sitting just beneath the top of the pebbles so it isn't absorbed by the plant's roots.

To encourage flowering the following year, move your epiphyllum cactus to a cooler place for winter, around 10–14°C, and reduce watering. Then, once flower buds appear, return it to its usual position, at 15°C or above.

Always keep epiphyllum cacti away from radiators and draughts.

There's no need to worry about repotting your epiphyllum cactus regularly, as they tend to thrive when slightly root-bound. If you do need to repot your plant, do so after flowering but before the plant goes dormant for winter.

Remove faded flowers as and when you need to. Old, tatty stems can be removed from the base of the plant or shortened if they become too long – new shoots will develop from the cut.

Propagating epiphyllum cacti

Propagate epiphyllum cacti by taking stem cuttings. Simply remove a stem and cut it into 15-20cm sections, then leave them in a warm spot for a few days so the cut wounds can callous over.

Insert the cuttings vertically, 2.5–5cm deep, into a pot of gritty, free-draining compost. Keep the pot at an even temperature of 18–24°C. They should root within six weeks.

Pests and problem-solving

Epiphyllum cacti are generally free from pests and diseases. However, you may notice the following problems:

Failure to flower may be due to the plant not receiving the cooler, drier spell that stimulates flower growth in winter. Or perhaps it's growing in a pot that's too big for its rootball. Ensure it's slightly pot-bound and move to a cooler spot in autumn and reduce watering, then return it to its warmer location when you see flower buds.

Brown spots or discoloured stems could be the result of sun scorch. Keep plants in bright but indirect light, away from strong sunlight.

Like all house plants, epiphyllum cacti can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and red spider mite. If growing outdoors in summer you may need to protect plants from slugs and snails.