Consulta Plantas

Care of the cacti Epiphyllum ackermannii or Red Orchid Cactus

The genus Epiphyllum, family Cactaceae, comprises 20 species of epiphytic cacti native to Mexico and Central America. Some species are: Epiphyllum ackermannii, Epiphyllum crenatum, Epiphyllum guatemalense, Epiphyllum oxypetalum; there are many varieties and hybrids.

Common names: Lady Finger Cactus, Dog Tail, Alicoche. This species is native to Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico.

They are hanging cacti with long and broad stems that may have small spines on the areoles. The showy flowers are trumpet-shaped with white, red or pink petals.

They are used as indoor plants in ventilated locations protected from the cold. Do not place next to radiators or stoves.

Epiphyllum ackermannii requires semi-shade exposure and temperatures above 5 ºC (41 ºF). They can be grown outside during the summer but protected from direct sun.

The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of leaf mulch and coarse sand; a commercial cactus substrate can also be used.

Water abundantly (without flooding) throughout the year except; from mid-autumn to late winter, greatly reduce watering.

Fertilize with cactus fertilizer every 15 days during the flowering period.

If the summer is very dry they can be attacked by mites and mealybugs. It's important not to accumulate water on the stems because they can rot.

Propagation by seeds is a very slow process; propagation by cuttings in summer is the best option.

Images of the cacti Epiphyllum ackermannii or Red Orchid Cactus