Cactus Orchid Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Epiphyllum species and hybrids

Cactus Family

Succulent Plants

Anyone who has seen these magnificent plants in full bloom knows that they rival or even outdo their namesakes in the sheer beauty of their flowers. Orchid cacti originated in Central and South America--not in the blistering, dry deserts that are home to most cactus-family members, but in humid tropical forests.

In fact, orchid cacti are unusual in that they are epiphytes--that is, they live perched on tree trunks and branches, rather in the soil at ground level.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Bright indirect sunlight or direct morning sunlight is best. Consider placing your plant in an unobstructed eastern or northern window.

WATERING: Water when the upper inch of the plant's potting medium is dry to the touch. At that point, drench the potting medium thoroughly: at least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes. However, the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than ten minutes.

FEEDING: Feed sparingly, and only when the plant is growing actively or forming flower buds. If your plant is potted in bark, use a high-nitrogen (high first number) orchid fertilizer; otherwise use a high-phosphorous (high middle number) houseplant fertilizer. In either case, apply the fertilizer at half the recommended concentration and frequency.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Unlike most of its relatives, orchid cacti like humidity. If possible, place a room humidifier near your plant, or put the plant near others. Also, when the time comes to repot, make sure that you use orchid bark (fir bark) instead of conventional houseplant soil.