Epiphyllum

( ep - if - FILL - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering cacti is commonly called Orchid Cactus, and needs partial shade or bright indirect light and regular water. Most plants in this genus are epiphytes, like orchids, and many have arching, trailing stems and look best in hanging pots. Stems are long and flat, usually notched. Flowers bloom in spring and come in white, cream, yellow, pink, rose, lavender, scarlet and orange. Many are bicolored. They grow best in zones 8, 9, 14-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Caring for Epiphyllum

Protect these plants by growing them under overhangs or trees. They enjoy being planted in well-draining soil amended with sand, leaf mod, peat moss, or bark. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer before and after bloom. They need frost protection in wintertime. 

Propagation

By cutting in spring or summer. Let base of cutting dry out for a day or two before putting it in a pot. 

Problems and Pests

Overwatering and poor drainage cause bud drop. 

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
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