Scientific Name
Epiphyllum hookeri Haw.
Common Name(s)
Hooker's Orchid Cactus, Climbing Cactus
Synonym(s)
Cereus hookeri, Cereus marginatus, Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. hookeri, Epiphyllum phyllanthus subsp. hookeri, Epiphyllum ruestii, Epiphyllum stenopetalum, Epiphyllum strictum, Phyllocactus hookeri, Phyllocactus stenopetalus, Phyllocactus strictus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Epiphyllum
Description
Epiphyllum hookeri is a climbing cactus that forms a loose mass of long, flat, strappy foliage, resulting in a lovely sculptural effect. Mature plants produce large, white, fragrant flowers in summer. The flowers open only at night and close by morning. They are up to 9 inches (22.5 cm) long and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Epiphyllums are hardy to about 50 °F (10 °C) but require at least 60 °F (15 °C) during the growing season, so they are best grown in a heated greenhouse, conservatory, or indoors. Place the pots in bright, filtered light with moderate to high humidity. To increase the humidity, position the pot on a tray filled with gravel and keep this topped up with water, but not enough so that the water reaches the surface. These cacti require sharply-drained growing media. Grow them in a standard cactus soil with added grit or perlite. Alternatively, mix 3 parts loam-based compost with 2 parts grit or perlite and 1 part peat-free multipurpose compost.
Overlong stems can be cut off or shortened. New shoots will usually develop just behind the cut. However, be careful not to overwater after pruning as the plant's water requirements will be reduced. Large Epiphyllums can become unstable in their pots. Either repot into a heavier pot, such as terracotta, or a wider container, such as a pan. Alternatively, try using canes and tying the stems up, but this can look unsightly.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Epiphyllum.
Origin
This species is endemic to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Mexico.
Subspecies
Links
- Back to genus Epiphyllum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Advertisements