Q&A for How to Grow Epiphyllum Cactus

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What causes purplish and brown spots on the leaves?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

These spots are most likely caused by a problem referred to as edema- which is when the cactus absorbs more moisture than it can release through its leaves. Simply avoid overwatering.

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Question

A fungus type infection that looks like bird droppings then seems to deteriorate into a lace like pattern appears to be ruining a large portion of our plant. Can I use white oil?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

This is most likely caused by a mealy bug infestation. This can be remedied by applying insecticide.

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Why hasn't my huge epiphyllum ever bloomed?

Community Answer

The plant may still be growing into its container, which can take several years. Additionally, it may not be receiving nutrients or light in the correct quantities to bloom.

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Question

What would cause my orchid cactus to have many thin, stringy growths?

Community Answer

Your cactus may be in too much shade. This causes the plants to fall over and may lead to thin, stringy growths.

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Question

Can I take cuttings from stems that produce roots at the tip and grow them from the rooted end?

Community Answer

Yes, I have rooted cuttings in water indoors. I have also given them away to friends who got healthy plants with blooms within a year, much faster maybe than starting from calloused cuttings!

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Question

What do I do with long leafless stems?

Community Answer

The purpose of the long leafless stems, or sticks, is to climb up to the next fork of a tall tree to again build another plant in each fork. If you cut those long stick-like stems off and put them into a tall bucket of water and leave them for several weeks, some of them will grow leaves. These are then able to be planted.

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Question

After a leaf on the cactus has finished blooming, will that leaf ever bloom again, or should it be removed?

Community Answer

Your leaf will still continue to bloom. It can continue to bloom for several years.

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Question

I received two stems with flowers on them. Can I start propagating them with the flowers on them?

Community Answer

If you follow the instructions above, yes. The flowers will die, and you can cut them off as you start to harden the stems prior to rooting them.

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Question

How do I care for my orchid cactus?

Community Answer

You need to have fast draining soil, and keep it in an area with bright light- but not in direct sunlight. You also need to makes sure that there is good air circulation, so that the cactus does not get moldy or diseased.

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Question

What are the long stems that have no leaves on them?

Community Answer

I have been told that those tall stems will not produce any blooms and to snip them off.

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Question

What is the best fertilizer for these plants?

Community Answer

10-10-10 is best for plant growth and health. Use 0-10-10 to encourage flowering.

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Question

Twice this summer my plant produced buds and then about half of them did not form correctly. It has bloomed well for the last 9 years. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

When I moved mine to my south facing sun room in the Hi-Desert, even with neutral density film on the windows that reduced the sun by 75%, they exploded with growth, as did my other plants. If you think yours might not be getting enough sun, search Amazon for grow lights. For around $30 you can get a three headed LED grow light, each on a bendable goose neck that connect to a spring clamp that can clip onto a table.

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Question

Will lizards eat the paddles of this plant? If not lizards, what could be taking little bites?

Community Answer

It could be lizards or another animal or insect.

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Question

Can epiphyllum bloom more than once per season?

Community Answer

Not typically, as it requires an 8 to 10 week 'winter' period for the plant to form flower buds.

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Question

Can I grow epiphyllum in Las Vegas where we get triple digit heat in the summer?

Community Answer

Yes, you certainly can. I grow them in Adelaide, South Australia where the temperature is regularly over 40ºC (104ºF) and has reached 46ºC (115ºF) in recent summers. To keep them in good condition, they are under 70% shade cloth and they grow well.

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