You can choose from 15 epiphyllum species plus cultivars.
The typically epiphytic orchid cactuses can also grow on the ground. You can easily grow this plant from cuttings to provide yourself with additional plants of this tropical rainforest cactus.Īlthough native to South America and Central America, it can thrive in the US in USDA Zone 10. Let the cutting heal in a cool, dry spot for about two weeks, then pot it. The cut should occur between the areoles. Choose a plump, healthy leaf, and using clean pruning shears, diagonally cut off a 7-inch section (17.8 cm). The exotic-looking orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp.) easily propagates or grows from cuttings. This means you make cuttings from the mother plant to grow new ones from it. Rather than purchasing more plants, you can propagate your orchid cactus. Once roots are a coupe of centimetres long and ideally have secondary roots growing from initial roots then it is ready to plant into the recommended soil above.īelow you can see a short video on water rooting a cutting and using it to thicken out an existing plant.You might want to encourage the quick spread of your orchid cactus. Change the water every week to keep it clean and clear.Īfter a couple of weeks roots will grow. I like to propagate cuttings in water so I can see the root growth.Īs per above I would cut a young leaf at the base of the stem.Īllow the cut end to callous over for a day or so then simply place into a small glass of water. Keep the soil relatively moist and roots should grow within a couple of weeks. Allow the cutting to callous over for a day or so where it was cut, then simply place about 2cm deep into the recommend soil mix above. To root straight into soil, you can simply cut a young leaf at the stem with a clean sharp knife or scissors. For both methods I would use a youngish leaf that is about 12cm-15cm long. There are two main ways to propagate planting cuttings straight into soil or rooting in water to be potted into soil once roots are established. I have propagated mine many times, to give to friends, but also to plant the babies back into the original pot to create a fuller plant. One of the brilliant things about this plant is how easy it is to propagate. The plant can be repotted every one or two years in spring to give it more room to grow and a boost of nutrients. You could use 2/3 cactus compost (or general houseplant compost) to 1/3 perlite, grit or orchid bark. The fishbone cactus will like a loose, well draining soil. However, in my own experience, I do not use a humidifier or a water tray, I have several fishbone cactus that are all happy without that increased level of humidity. As the water in the tray evaporates this will increase humidity around the plant. (Being careful to ensure the bottom of the pot is not itself sitting in the water which can lead to root rot).
To increase humidity further you can use a humidifier or sit the pot on pebbles within a tray of water. Owing to its natural habitat of tropical rainforests the fishbone cactus will like warmth and humidity, so a bathroom or kitchen are good rooms for this plant. I find these plants very forgiving and can handle some neglect, they will soon bounce back after a good watering. The leaves will start to look a little withered and less plump. The fishbone cactus is really good at letting you know when it needs to be watered. Throughout the winter the plant will require less frequent watering, once every 2-3 weeks. I make sure to always water at the sink and allow the water to drain thoroughly away before placing back in its decorative pot. I water once the top couple of centimetres are dry which in summer can be once a week. I find the Fishbone Cactus to be pretty thirsty.