Scientific Name
Epiphyllum 'Pegasus'
Common Name(s)
Epicactus, Hybrid Epiphyllum, Orchid Cactus, Pegasus Orchid Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Epiphyllum
Description
Epiphyllum 'Pegasus' is a popular cactus with green to reddish, leaf-like stems and large, vivid purplish-red to magenta flowers with a golden orange mid-stripe.
The flowers are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, appear in spring and summer, and stay open for 3 to 4 days.
Origin
Epiphyllum 'Pegasus' is a hybrid of unknown parentage introduced by Coolidge Rare Plant Nursery.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °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 Epiphyllum 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Epiphyllum.
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.
