Epiphyllum

(Orchid Cactus)

& Related Genera

FLOWER SIZES

In the listings on this page, the sizes for Epiphyllum flowers are described as follows:

• ( S ) = small, 2"-4" wide
• ( M ) = medium, 4"-5" wide
• ( L ) = large, 6"-8" wide
• ( XL ) = extra large, over 8" wide (some are up to 12" wide)

Epiphyllums are true cacti but are more often labeled as "Epicacti" or "jungle cacti" to differentiate them from desert flora. Many plant lovers also call them "orchid cacti" because of the very large and colorful flowers. Epiphyllum species are found in the jungles of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America.

Jungle cacti are the pinnacle of cacti evolution... having moved into the treetops to exploit that unique environment -- the same one occupied by many orchids. Like orchids, epiphyllums have evolved into epiphytic plants which live on the surface of other plants. Epiphytes take their nourishment from the environment and not from their host plant.

Epiphyllums are very easy to grow. Propagation is primarily by vegetative cuttings, though new hybrids are produced from seed. Most epiphyllums produce long, arching stems that are flat and notched along the margins. The flowers can be up to 10 inches across and are available in nearly every color.

Epiphyllums are a particular bargain, very easy to grow, and extremely rewarding when they flower. These make HUGE flowers that are often fragrant. Some last for several days to a week, others only last one night.

Cuttings are unrooted, but getting them establihsed is very easy. Before they are shipped to you they will be treated with a rooting hormone that promotes rapid root growth. You should let them sit for a week or so to scab over the cut, then plant 1 to 2 inches deep in an Epi potting soil mixture (I use half African violet soil/half cactus sand). Read more about Epiphyllum care and growth conditions.

If you are interested in any of these, just ask. Many are much larger than the size indicated (you get the largest available).

Description

Epiphyllum anguliger

Synonym(s):

• Phyllocactus anguliger
• Phyllocactus darrahii
• Epiphyllum darrahii

( L ) - Great, interestingly lobed foliage (see below).

Common Name(s): Moon Cactus, Queen of the Night (misnomer), Fishbone Cactus, Rick-Rack Cactus, and also Zig-Zag Cactus. You can see why when you look at the foliage. The lobes are more lunate than those of Selenicereus anthonyanus (offered below).

The profusion of common names just goes to show that common names are really pretty useless and that's why we rely on scientific names for accuracy.

An orchid cactus species with many virtues: its unique foliage, freeness to bloom, and evening fragrance are outstanding.

The leaves comprised of a series of deeply cut lobes create a saw tooth effect. It is one of the species that goes by the common name "Ric Rac" Cactus (see S. anthonyanus below for another species that is also known by this name).

Flowers arrive effortlessly from late summer through fall, and best of all it's one species that doesn't need a winter chill to flower. The pure white 3½" blooms, backed by orange-bronze sepals and petals, and buds open over many weeks. Each flower lasts two to three days.

Epiphyllum chrysocardium

synonym: Selenicereus chrysocardium (this is actually the more accurate name, but few people look for it or know it under this name).

( M ) - Great, interestingly lobed foliage (see at right).

Common Name(s): The correct common name for this plant is "fern cactus," but many people confuse it with the Rick-Rack Cactus (aka Zig-Zag Cactus), so you may see it labeled as that if you're at a botanical garden, etc. This just goes to show that common names are really pretty useless and that's why we rely on scientific names for accuracy.

The lobes are more "hooked" (and often pointed at the ends) than those of Selenicereus anthonyanus (offered below).

Epiphyllum cartagense (FAC Weber) Britton & Rose

( L ) - A beautiful species, dear to my heart because it is endemic to Costa Rica, where it occurs on both slopes from Cordillera Guanacaste to Cordillera Talamanca in wet forest, 700-1700 m. Ticos call this plant Plananillo de Monte ("little mountain banana").

Quite rare in collections (I'm one of the only sources on the net), but the highly fragrant flowers and edible fruits make it an excellent plant for warmer gardens and indoor growing.

Night blooming, though flowers often persist into morning (as seen in the photo at right). Extremely fragrant.

Synonym: Phyllocactus cartagensis

Epiphyllum caudatum Britton & Rose

Synonym: Phyllocactus caudatus

Endemic to the region surrounding the city of Oaxaca in the south of Mexico. Oaxaca has a tropical montane type of climate.

Originally, this cactus starts with cylindrical stems; later they flatten, and are only 4 centimetres wide with a wavy edge. These stems branch densely, and become more cylindrical with age. The flower has a tube that is 7 centimetres long, ending in white petals that are 6 centimetres long.

Epiphyllum crenatum (Lem.) H.P.Kelsey & Dayton

Extremely fragrant.

( XL ) -

This species grows as an epiphyte in the tropical rainforests of Guatemala and Honduras.

These rainforests have high humidity, and temperatures that are constant throughout the year.

This species has thick bluish-green branches that are stiff, strong, and exhibit upright growth. Also, they have deep notches at the areoles, and crenate margins.

Sometimes the foliage is scalloped down both sides (the regular E. crenatum species form), and sometimes it is smooth down one edge (the E. crenatum chichicastenango subspecies form). Like all Epiphyllums, the growth habit can be rather variable, even from one branch to another within a single plant.

On these branches grow strongly perfumed flowers that are creamy-white to greenish-yellow, expanding from 12 to 15 centimetres (5 to 6 inches) wide, opening at night, and flowering for many days.

This is a very popular, and well-known species. It has been used in cross pollination with many other genera to produce countless fine hybrids.

Night blooming, though flowers often persist for several days. Extremely fragrant.

Synonyms:

• Marniera macroptera var. kimnachii
• Epiphyllum macropterum
• Phyllocactus crenatus
• Cereus crenatus
• Epiphyllum caulorhizum
• Phyllocactus caulorhizus
• Phyllocactus × cooperi
• Epiphyllum × cooperi
• Epinicereus cooperi
• Seleniphyllum cooperi
  

A special variety of E. crenatum that comes from its namesake region in Guatemala. Unlike the regular species (the bottom blade in the foliage picture above) this variety is often smooth down a portion of one side (the top blade in the foliage image above).

A very uncommon species that is hard to come by. A must for every collector. As the name implies, it produces LOTS of flowers.

Still growing... but will be available shortly....

Send me an email if you'd like to be notified when these are available.

Still growing... but will be available shortly....

pictures coming soon. Send me an email if you'd like to be notified when these are available.

This is the correct taxonomic name for this species, but it is more commonly known by its synonym: E. strictum (see below for the actual listing).

Click the link above to see the listing for this species.

• Cereus hookeri Link & Otto 1828

• Epiphyllum hookeri (Link & Otto) Haw. 1829

• Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. hookeri (Link & Otto) Kimnach 1964
  
• Epiphyllum stenopetalum (C.F.Först.) Britton & Rose 1913
  
• Epiphyllum strictum (Lem.) Britton & Rose 1913
  
• Phyllocactus hookeri (Link & Otto) Salm-Dyck 1842
  
• Phyllocactus stenopetalus C.F.Först. 1846
  

• Phyllocactus strictus Lem. 1854

   

  Available?	Size	Price does not include S/H
  Yes	8 inch cutting	$12
  Yes	12 inch rooted	$22
  Yes	24 inch rooted, with side growths	$30

   

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Night-blooming Cereus, the "Queen of the Night"

very sweetly
fragrant

click the pictures to
see larger images

This is the primary ancestral parent of most of the various hybrids you see on this page... they're all the results of crosses with Arpophyllum and other cactus genera to add assorted colors to the flowers.

Each flower lasts only one night. Poems and songs have been written about this species and the beauty of its transient blossoms.

A very special plant that is an event to watch bloom… we always have friends over for dinner if there's going to be an impressive bloom of multiple buds… people are invariably awed by experiencing this unique night blooming plant, especially the speed with which the flowers open once they get cranking.

A mature plant will bloom several times in a single season. This year my big plant had 4 distinct blooming periods, spread over a three month season, each with 6 or more flowers opening on a single night, plus many more nights with just a couple flowers opening.

Plant is an upright grower, with trailing stems and climbers (as it gets larger) that may require support. It can be trained to climb a trellis, tree, balcony railing, or fence. It grows quickly into a specimen.

Some additional E. oxypetalum pictures (click image to see an enlargement):

Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. phyllanthus (L.) Haw.

Synonyms:

• Epiphyllum gaillardae
• Hariota macrocarpa
• Rhipsalis macrocarpa
• Phyllocactus gaillardae
• Rhipsalis phyllanthus
• Phyllocactus phyllanthus
• Cactus phyllanthus
• Cereus phyllanthus

This plant descends (vegetatively) from a wild cutting collected along the east bank of the Essequibo river in Hubu, Guyana.

I obtained a couple pieces from the original collector. The flowers are shown here.

They are creamier and have more rounded tips than the "typical" E. phyllanthus of the Central American isthmus.

This variety may someday prove to warrant its own varietal designation.

This plant makes pretty, ornamental fruits that are very colorful.

Habitat photos:

More flower images (click image to see an enlargement):

Epiphyllum strictum
(Lemaire) Britton & Rose

common names: Calienta el hueso, Reina de la noche, Santa Rita, Ticrebac

Epiphyllum strictum = Epi. hookeri

( M to L ) - A crystalline white night bloomer that produces sweetly fragrant medium sized flowers in late summer and fall.

The flowers look like exploding white fireworks on the 4th of July.

Blooms open around 8 p.m.and last until around noon the next day.

Most people know this species by the name E. strictum (the specific epithet is Latin for "straight") because of the flat, straight stem growth. Technically, however, E. strictum is not the correct name.... it is a synonym of Epiphyllum hookeri, the correct name.

Origin: Endemic to wet forests in Southern Mexico, Guatemala to Panama. Grows wild on trees and/or stumps, up to 600 m altitude.

Description: Epiphyte, 1-3 m tall with narrow stems. Branches thick and stiff, 3-8 cm wide with coarse, serrated teeth. Flowers funnelform, white/pink, 20-30 cm long, 17-20 cm wide, and nocturnal. Fruit round, 4-5 cm diameter, bearing small, black seeds.

Medicinal/Traditional use: In Alta-Verapaz, Guatemala, the branches are heated and used as a splint around broken bones.

Compared to other Epiphyllums, this species has a very characteristic growth pattern, with relatively little meandering. The large plant below illustrates this fairly accurately.

Epiphyllum thomasianum
(Schum.) Britton & Rose

Synonyms:

• Phyllocactus thomasianus
• Epiphyllum macropterum var. thomasianum
• Marniera macroptera
• Phyllocactus macropterus
• Epiphyllum macropterum

A rare species seldom offered for sale. Range: Southern Mexico to Panama

A good strong grower that makes nice, broad flat leaves and gorgeous flowers that last through the night and the following day. Several subspecies and variants are suggested, but all the nomenclature is up in the air until further work is done on this genus.

Very large flowers for a species.

click to see enlargements:

Description

Aporocactus flagelliformis

Often called the "rat tail cactus."

This plant makes long hanging stems that may be as thick as a pencil or as big around as your thumb, depending on the clone.

I'm offering divisions from a form that has thinner branches (pencil thickness) but still produces just as many flowers. More bang for your collection-space buck; if you're worried about the ultimate size of the plant, this one is relatively small but very productive!

Produces cascades of showy, dark pink flowers that last for several days. Everyone should have one of these in their collection.

Synonyms: Cactus flagelliformis, Cereus flagelliformis, Disocactus flagelliformis, Cereus leptophis, Aporocactus flagriformis.

Care instructions: this plant likes VERY bright light, but not direct sun. It should be watered fairly frequently for a cactus, but allowed to dry mostly between waterings in summer. In the winter give it much less water and allow it to dry completely between waterings. It should not get below 50 degrees F; the soil must be dry if it does, or it will rot.

Grow in a hanging basket in very well-draining soil. Any standard cactus potting mix may be used, or African Violet soil mixed 50:50 with sand.

Cleistocactus winteri

Cleistocactus winteri, the "Golden Rattail Cactus"

Native to South America. Pendant growths with fuzzy golden spines, makes wonderful upright flowers that are pumpkin orange.

Synonym: Winterocereus aureispina

Echinocereus pentalophus

( S ) - Native to Southern Texas and Mexico.

Commonly called the "Ladyfinger Cactus."

The Echinocereus pentalophus has a profusion of magenta flowers with paler yellow throats, for a short period in spring.

Although the display lasts only a week or two, the profusion of pink flowers is extremely striking. The flowers are 3 to 5 inches long (7-12 cm). The stems of this cactus branches readily and soon you have a mass of shoots. The spines are short and soft. The spectacular pink blossom reaches 3-4 inches in diameter (7.5 cm).

Synonyms: Cereus pentalophus, Echinocereus leonensis, Echinocereus pentalophus ssp. leonensis, Cereus leptacanthus, Echinocereus leptacanthus, Cereus procumbens Engelm., Echinocereus procumbens, Echinocereus propinquus

Some additional images:

Disocactus ackermannii (Lindley) W. Barthlott

Synonyms:

• Epiphyllum ackermannii
• Cactus ackermanii
• Cereus ackermanii
• Phyllocactus ackermannii
• Nopalxochia ackermanii
• Phyllocactus weingartii
• Nopalxochia conzattianum

LARGE DAY BLOOMER.... and the flowers stay open for many days. Makes for a wonderfully bright and colorful display.

Native to Mexico (Oaxaca).

Lovely large red flowers... this plant blooms frequently and grows quickly. Very tough and very tolerant of a wide array of growing conditions.

grow it just like an Epiphyllum

A shelf full of Disocactus ackermanii... what an impressive display this would make at your house!

An interesting species because it has two forms: cylindrical and a narrow, two-ribbed version.

Synonym: Cereus biformis

Disocactus macranthus
(Alexander) Kimnach & Hutchison

Synonym: Pseudorhipsalis macrantha

This variety is most correctly called DISOCACTUS MACRANTHUS Var. GLAUCOCLADUS

( M ) - Extremely floriferous Epiphyllum relative from Southern Mexico (Oaxaca).

Produces clusters of lemon-yellow flowers. When these mature, they leave "berries" on the leaf, which are the ripening fruit. These are quite attractive in their own right.

If exposed to high light (can take full sun) the foliage gets very pretty and will turn red or purple, as if "sun tanned."

grow it just like an Epiphyllum

Disocactus ramulosus (Salm-Dyck) Kimnach det. DR Hunt, 1978

Synonym(s):

• Rhipsalis purpusii
• Rhipsalis leiophloea
• Rhipsalis jamaicensis
• Hariota coriacea
• Rhipsalis coriacea
• Rhipsalis angustissima
• Hariota ramulosa
• Cereus ramulosus
• Rhipsalis ramulosa

Also known as Pseudorhipsalis ramulosa (Salm-Dyck) W.Barthlott. Don't let the profusion of name changes get in your way of enjoying this fantastic plant -- it is loads of fun no matter what you call it!

Origin: Mexico to northern South America, Hispaniola, Jamaica. Has been collected as far south as Brazil.

Growth Habits: Shrubby plant, erect, 2 feet tall (60 cm) or more; stems 3 to 12 inches long (7.5-30 cm), 0.4 to 1 inch wide (1-2.5 cm); crenation 0.5 to 0.8 inches apart (1.2-2 cm); young areoles are often ciliate, naked when mature.

A fun plant that grows well under a wide variety of conditions.

The foliage turns a beautiful deep red color when exposed to bright light.

Can be trained to grow in full sun.

Makes small but pretty flowers in profusion in spring and summer, which are followed by pretty, glossy white berries all along the stem margins.

Berries are long lasting and make a nice decoration. They contrast nicely with the deep red foliage when the plant has adequate sun exposure, and this turns the cactus into a beautiful Christmas decoration.

Branches rapidly and grows quite quickly.

Disocactus phyllanthoides
(DC.) Barthlott

Synonym(s):

• Cactus phyllanthoides
• Nopalxochia phyllanthoides
• Phyllocactus phyllanthoides
• Cereus phyllanthoides

( M ) - Extremely floriferous Epiphyllum relative from Southern Mexico.

Commonly known as the "Pond Lily Cactus" because the flowers look a lot like those of the genus Nymphaea (which makes the common "lotus lily" type water lily flower). It also goes by the names Deutsche Kaiserin and German Empress.

This species is spineless, has comparatively closed, soft pink flowers, and has flattened two-sided bladelike stems. It has scales on the flower stems, much like E. crenatum.

Large plants need to be grown in a hanging basket, even though the foliage will initially stick upright. Ornamental hybrids are often created with this species and others (commonly of the genus Epiphyllum).

Origin: The type specimen was collected in Mexico.Very common in Columbia, but is known to have been distributed there through cultivation, which may date back to prehistoric times.

Medicinal/Traditional Uses: Flower decoction is taken as cardiac tonic in Columbia. Also used as an expectorant and remedy for the common cough.

When it bears flowers there are so many of them that they pull the foliage down. Look at these images... this species makes only medium sized flowers, but it makes dozens of them at a time! A wonderful display.

A rare epiphytic cactus that is quite hard to find. As far as I know, I'm just about the only person selling them online.

Disocactus schrankii (Seitz) Barthlott =

Heliocereus schrankii
(Zucc) Britton & Rose

Origin: Southern Mexico: Zimapán (T), Oaxaca.

Growth Habits: Erect stems, 0.4 to 1.2 in. wide (1-3 cm); 3 to 4 wavy ribs; young stems reddish; areoles 0.6 to 0.8 inches apart; 6 to 8 acicular spines, white at first, turning dark brown as they age, 0.4 in. long (1 cm).

Synonym: Cereus schrankii, Heliocereus schrankii, Cereus coccineus, Cereus elegantissimus, Heliocereus elegantissimus, Heliocereus schrankii var. elegantissimus, Heliocereus luzmariae

Heliocereus cinnabarinus
(Eichl) Britton & Rose

synonyms:

• Cereus cinnabarinus Eichl ex Wgt - Monatschr. Kakteenk. 20:161 (1910)
• Heliocereus heterodoxus Standl&Steyerm - Field. Mus. Nat. Hist. 23 (1944)
• Disocactus cinnabarinus (Eichl)Barth - Bradleya 9:87 (1991)

Origin: Guatemala: Vulcán Agua (T), 2600-3800 m, in elders.

Similar in shape and size to H. heterodoxus (below) but it is hot pink with a slight orange highlight to the petal edges.

Heliocereus heterodoxus

Very dark orange, almost red, bell shaped blossoms.

Dull green spiny stems with scarlet or blood red flowers.

Origin: Southern Mexico: Zimapán (T), Oaxaca.

Growth Habits: Erect stems, 0.4 to 1.2 in. wide (1-3 cm); 3 to 4 wavy ribs; young stems reddish; areoles 0.6 to 0.8 inches apart; 6 to 8 acicular spines, white at first, turning dark brown as they age, 0.4 in. long (1 cm).

A rare species, considered by some experts (such as the New York Botanical Garden) to be endangered in its native range.

Three angled dull grayish-green stems.

Hylocereus guatemalensis (Eichlam) Britton & Rose

Synonym: Cereus trigonus var. guatemalensis, Cereus guatemalensis

Native to Guatemala and El Salvador.

Grayish green triangular stems bear enormous white blooms at night.

H. guatemalensis fruits are rounder and more compact than the Dragon Fruits produced by H. undatus.

Hylocereus ocamponis (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose

Synonym: Cereus ocamponis

Native to southern Mexico. Makes large and delicious fruit.

goes by the name "Pitaya Roja" and produces fruit very similar to the more commonly grown "Pitahaya" varieties.

One of the Hylocereus that goes by the name "Pitahaya" (also known as Dragon Fruit). It makes wonderfully large, tasty sweet red fruits.

Native range extends from Nicaragua to Ecuador.

Makes large and delicious fruit.

The edible wine colored fruits are 4 inches long (10 cm). They have a white spongy pulp with small black seeds and thick skin. They are considered about the best cactus fruits. In tropical countries, these are grown in large quantities as produce for the market. In Mexico, they like to freeze the fruits and then scoop out the chilled internal pulp like ice cream.

Due to their ability to tolerate and recover from extreme high/low temperature flux stress (because of waxy cuticle layer), as well as dry soil conditions, Hylocereus has recently been cultivated in areas of the Negev Desert in Israel where no other agriculture takes place. This operation, performed by the Ben-Gurion University, produced and marketed the fruits in Europe for about $2 per pound. This is the highest ever paid for a fruit exported by Israel.

Hylocereus purpusii (Weingart) Britton & Rose

Synonym: Cereus purpusii

Origin: Western Mexico, from Nayarit to Michoacán.

Does best in bright light or partial sun, but does not appreciate fully direct strong sun.

A wonderful climber (will climb tree trunks, much like the other Hylocereus species) that blooms at night with very large white flowers and makes edible fruits.

Hylocereus stenopterus (F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose

Synonym: Cereus stenopterus

Origin: Costa Rica and Panama.

Does best in bright light or partial sun, but does not appreciate fully direct strong sun.

A wonderful climber (will climb tree trunks, much like the other Hylocereus species) that blooms at night with very large and colorful flowers.

Hylocereus undatus

Pa-nani-o-ka: Hawaiian name

common names: Dragon Fruit, Pitahaya, Pitaya, Red Pitahaya, Night blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, Conderella plant

Pa-nani-o-ka: Hawaiian name

The origins of this species are somewhat shady... consensus places it somewhere in Central America, but the exact natural range has been lost because this species is so widely distributed due to introductions. It now ranges throughout SE Asia, the Pacific Islands, and all of tropical America.

Highly revered in Southeast Asia for its marvelous fruit. Hylocereus undatus is a climbing cactus that has received world-wide recognition as an ornamental plant for its large, scented, night-blooming flowers. It produces fruit of 1kg or more and has a light melon-like taste. The color of the skin is a beautiful bright red, with translucent white flesh and tiny black seeds. The species is easily recognisable by the triangular cross-section of its stem and the minimal spines.

Native to Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo).

Originally this was Erythrorhipsalis pilocarpa (Lofgren), the only species of its kind in its own group. The only visual resemblance it has to other tubular Rhipsalis is its pencil-type growth. Otherwise it is easy to identify because its stems are covered with fine white hairs growing from the areoles.

In sunlight the stems can become tinged red. Flowers are slender and bell-like but open widely, appear at the ends of the stems so on the longer stems they will hang downward.

The branches often end in three to six smaller branches, which when in flower make the plant look like an upside-down starburst.

Rhipsalis cuttings seem to do best when allowed to dry between waterings.

Fruits are red to maroon and have tiny hairs on them.

Rhipsalis salicornioides Haworth

Synonym: Hatiora salicornioides
(Haworth) Britton & Rose

Native to Brazil (Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo).

Easy-to-identify upright growing pencil type that has little hour-glass or bottle-shaped joints. In the image at left you can see the "coke bottle" outline.

Flowers are orange-yellow. Growths get droopy as the branches elongate, and can be trimmed and replanted next to the main stem to make a really bushy, dense specimen.

Common names: Drunkard's Delight, Beer-Bottle cactus, Mistletoe Cactus.

The following note was made by Dr. Rose in 1915 while collecting at Rio de Janeiro: The plant grows on trunks of trees, its roots long and fibrous, 4 dm. long or more and wrapped about the trunk of the tree; at first it is erect, then spreading and finally pendent; it is then a meter longer or more and very much branched; main stem and branches 5 to 10 mm. in diameter, made whorls of 2 to 6.

Rhipsalis cruciforme

more correct name (probably, there is still a lot of debate): Lepismium cruciforme (Vellozo) Miquel 1838

DISTRIBUTION - Brazil (all the southern and eastern states), Paraguay, Argentina (northern regions).

This species typically has white or straw colored flowers.

This variety is Lepismium cruciforme var. mysorus, as it has pink flowers (see pictures, which are from this actual plant).

The flowers are produced in great profusion... one to three from each hairy axil along the blade.

The flowers last a long time for a cactus, up to a week under most circumstances, and well over a week when the weather is cool.

It blooms pretty much CONTINUALLY from late spring to fall.

The stems grow upright when young, and then eventually get so long and heavy that they hang over the edge of the basket, as shown below.

In old, established plants, the stems can reportedly reach up to 6 feet long (my biggest ones are only about 3+ feet long).

This thing has an amazing list of synonyms (how can there be so much confusion over one plant species? surely some of these will eventually be erected as subspecies or distinct geographical variants):

Cactus cruciformis, Hariota cruciformis, Rhipsalis cruciformis, Rhipsalis anceps, Lepismium anceps, Rhipsalis radicans var. anceps, Rhipsalis brevibarbis, Rhipsalis cavernosa, Lepismium cavernosum, Lepismium cruciforme var. cavernosum, Lepismium commune, Rhipsalis ensiformis, Rhipsalis radicans var. ensiformis, Lepismium fluminense, Lepismium knightii, Lepismium cruciforme var. knightii, Rhipsalis knightii, Hariota knightii, Rhipsalis macropogon, Rhipsalis mittleri, Cereus myosurus, Lepismium myosurus, Lepismium cruciforme var. myosurus, Rhipsalis myosurus, Rhipsalis radicans, Hariota ramosissima, Lepismium ramosissimum, Rhipsalis ramosissima, Rhipsalis squamulosa, Hariota squamulosa, Lepismium tenue, Lepismium vollii, Lepismium cruciforme var. vollii, Rhipsalis vollii

I'm still working on ID'ing this one.

pictures coming soon....

Rhipsalis sp. #2

I'm still working on ID'ing this one.

pictures coming soon....

Selenicereus

Britton & Rose 1909

Selenicereus are native to tropical America. Species are spread throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and into the northwest corner of South America.

The first species from this genus known to Europeans was Selenicereus grandiflorus, originally named Cactus grandiflorus by Linnaeus in 1753 and subsequently renamed Cereus grandiflorus by Miller in 1768. Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose (giants in the world of cactus taxonomy) created the genus Selenicereus in 1909. This separated these vining cacti from the genus Cereus (meaning "wax taper"), which has an upright, columnar growth habit. The prefix "Seleni" refers to the moon, in allusion to their nocturnal blooms, which are very large and full bodied.

Selenicereus species are climbing cacti. Most are "functional epiphytes," meaning they can thrive either as an epiphyte or a terrestial plant. The stems send out adventitiousroots to clasp their support plants. The flowers are very large (S. grandiflorus blossoms may be over 12 inches wide) and immensely showy, pollinated in the wild by bats and large moths. These truly live up to their name: "Queen of the Night."

These plants put on a spectacular show, for those who are willing to lose a little sleep to experience the event. In mid summer, Selenicereus produce hairy buds that grow rapidly. Then one evening, the buds swell and expand. By midnight, the vines are covered in spectacular flowers. Many species are fragrant. By daybreak, the flowers are beginning to sag, by early morning they are quite tired, and well before noon they are completely closed and spent. On an overcast morning you might get a longer run, but for the most part these are truly noctural bloomers. This ephemeral display of beauty may be repeated several times over the course of the summer, depending on how old and how large your plant is.

Selenicereus anthonyanus

Syn: Cryptocereus anthonyanus, Epiphyllum anthonyanus

Rick-Rack cactus

Native to Chiapas, Mexico, where it is epiphytic in rainforests at 700-800 m alt. Reportedly quite rare in nature, but grows easily under cultivation.

A fast growing plant that needs a compost containing plenty of humus and sufficient moisture in summer.

Best grown in a hanging pot. Should not be kept under 14ºC (55ºF) in winter. Can be grown in semi-shade or full sun (after gradual training to withstand the stong light).

Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding. Flowers in late spring or early summer, primarily as a nocturnal bloomer, but the flowers usually persist into the day and sometimes open in the afternoon.

a.k.a. "fishbone cactus" and also "zig-zag" cactus. You can see why when you look at the foliage. The lobes are more pinnate (almost like a rib cage) than those of Epiphyllum angulifer (offered above), which is also known by these common names .

Selenicereus donkelaarii (Salm-Dyck) Britton & Rose

XL - Common names in its natural range include: Pitajaya, Pitaya, Sakbakelkan, Tsacam, Tzakam-ak, Zacamak (the last four are Mayan and other indigenous names).

Native origin: southern Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, where it is found usually in tree crowns of the shady, thick tropical forests.

Epiphytic cactus with climbing, elongated, slender stems reaching 8 m or longer and about 1 cm in diameter. Stems also ribbed indistinctly (7-11). Numerous tufts occur on ribs, bearing 10-15 spines on each. Central spines brownish (1-2 mm), radial spines white to gray, (3-4 mm).

Nocturnally blooming flowers, 15-20 cm, white petals, red and white sepals. Fruit large, red, covered with hairs and spines until ripe, pulp white.

Flower has a sweet aroma that fills a room like gardenia.

In the Yucatan, an infusion is made with the flower and drunk as a cardiac stimulant. The prescription is two tablespoons of the infusion every two hours. The stem is also heated, crushed, and used as a poultice, and is applied to the skin as an emollient.

The fruit of S. donkelaarii is edible, much like its close relatives, the Dragon Fruit.

Mexico.

The stems have 3 or 4 knobby ribs and essentially lack any spines. Flower tubes are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) long, with black hairs.

Selenicereus grandiflorus
Britton & Rose

Synonyms:

• Cactus grandiflorus
• Cereus grandiflorus
• Cereus kunthianus
• Selenicereus kunthianus
• Selenicereus hallensis

EXTREMELY large flowers

Origin: Eastern Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, other Caribbean islands

Common names: Queen of the Night, Organillo, Cacto de flor grande, Cardeiro, Cumbera, Flor cheirosa, Flor da noite, Flor do baile, Gigante, Jamacaru, Junquilho, Mandacairu, Night-blooming Cereus, Pitahaya,
Queen of the night, Reina de la noche, Reina de las flores, Urumbeba

Commonly known as "Queen of the Night," although other species go by that name, too. A huge subtropical, mainly epiphytic species that is cultivated for its fantastic flowers. Selenicereus grandiflorus is among the most striking of all the nightblooming tropical and epiphytic cacti, and it certainly has enormous flowers to say the least. In its natural habitat, bats pollinate Selenicereus, hence the night flowering habit. The massive size of the flowers is also likely due to its the relationship with bats.

Medicinal/Traditional Uses: In the 18th and 19th centuries, this species was used medicinally to treat heart failure. The dried plant reportedly had effects similar to Digitalis (foxglove). A physician from the turn of the 19th century wrote the following: "In medicinal doses, night-blooming cereus diminishes the frequency of the pulse, and increases the renal secretion, and is, therefore, sedative and diuretic." It has also reportedly been used in the treatment of Reynaud's disease.

Of course, modern pharmaceuticals are a lot more effective and much more dependable (the therapeutic index of S. grandiflorus -- the difference between an treatment dose and a fatally toxic dose -- was reportedly quite narrow), but it is interesting to note these former uses.

In Cuba the juice of the stems is still used to induce blistering and expel parasitic worms from the body. Also in Cuba, as well as Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, and elsewhere, an infusion of the stems and flowers is used as a cardiac tonic and to combat rheumatism. In Europe, an alkaloid compound called "cactine" is extracted from the plant and used to treat irregular heartbeat, angina pectoris, and cardiac neuralgia. This compound has been found to have a spasmolytic effect on the coronary arteries that promotes blood circulation. Prostate diseases, bladder irritation, congested kidneys, and nervous headaches are also treated with infused stems.

Selenicereus macdonaldiae

Selenicereus megalanthus
(K. Schumann ex Vaupel) Moran 1953

Origin: Colombia, Equador, Peru and Bolivia; cultivated commercially in Israel for its fruit

synonyms: Cereus megalanthus, Mediocactus megalanthus

A wonderful vining cactus with beautiful flowers.

The fruits are smaller than the other vine cacti fruits (i.e. Hylocereus undatus, the "dragon fruit") but their taste is superior. The concentration of sugar in this species is substantially higher that that found in the fruit of H. undatus.

Yellow pitaya needs a trellis system for support if you want to let the fruit get full sized:

Selenicereus pteranthus
(Link & Otto) Britt. & Rose

Synonyms:

• Cereus pteranthus Lk&O
• Cereus nycticallus Lk
• Cereus brevispinulus SD

Origin: Southern Mexico (Oaxaca)

A very uncommon vining cactus, it was only discovered about a decade ago and it is still pretty rare in collections.

A succulent Selenicereus with very few spines, it likes to get more water than some of the other species. Soil should be kept moist (but not soaking wet). Stems have 4-5 knobby ribs, and the flowers are up to 9 inches wide with ruby red flushing in the petals. A sight to behold!

Occurs from Mexico to Colombia. A very tough and easy to grow Selenicereus... a good choice for beginners. Likes plenty of light, even full sun once trained to endure it.

This species has lots of small, soft spines along the stem margins. The spines are hair-like and do not penetrate human skin (unless you really squeeze the plant hard and drive them in). They do break from the stem readily, but are not airborne nor skin-irritating like Opuntia glochids.

Long skinny "dog's tail" stems when young, becoming very broad and fat stems when it matures, with 3 to 5 ribs. Flowers 21-26 cm long.

Synonyms:

• Cereus testudo Karw ex Zucc - Abh. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 2:682 (1837)
• Cereus pterogonus Lem - Cact. Gen. Nov. Sp. 59 (1839)
• Cereus pentapterus Otto - in: Salm-Dyck, Cact. Hort. dyck. 221 (1850)
• Cereus miravallensis Web - Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris 8:459 (1902)
• Selenicereus miravallensis Br&R - Contr. US Nat. Herb. 12:431 (1909)
• Deamia testudo (Karw)Br&R - Cact. 2:213" (1920)
• Deamia diabolica Clov - Bull. Torr. Bot. Club. 65:570 (1938)

Description

Day bloomer. ( L ) - Blood-orange red, fuchsia throat. Outer sepals red-orange. Cupform.

Epiphyllum
Aztec Treasure

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( L ) - Dark pink with orange-red midstripe. Outer red,overlapping, funnel form.

Epiphyllum
Beauty Blend

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(M) - Formal flower with three rows of sepals and petals. Petals pink with deeper central stripe.

Epiphyllum
Big Daddy

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(XL) - Dark, deep red with slight cerise trim in throat. Outer petals deep red. Stamens red.

Overlapping, cup and saucer form. Flat and triangular, VERY BROAD growths.

TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE - TAKING A REST

(L) -  (Lilac Time X Moncherie) Reg.#6217. A large flower nice and wide, red petals edged in fuchsia. Stamens appear as a waterfall, A heavy bloomer. Flared funnel form. Compact plant.

Epiphyllum
Blackout

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( L ) - Hot pink, rose midstripe, iridescent sheen.

Epiphyllum
Blazon

( XL ) - A marvelous flower with an interesting combination of colors.

It opens very widely and is quite large. Stays open for several days, making a gorgeous display.

The foliage is actually quite skinny and compact by comparison... one of the easiest to grow and bloom.

Recommended for beginners and pros alike, because it is a reliable producer.

Epiphyllum
Bolero

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Day bloomer. ( L ) - Violet, rose midstripe, pink edge. Cup and saucer form.

Description

Epiphyllum
California Dream

( L ) - Wonderful fushcia-pink petals with darker center lines. Deep red stripes down the center of the outer petals.

( XL ) - ( Stormy Weather X Show Stopper ) Reg.#11906. An extra large flower with an inner row of deep cerise, with a wide white edge, second row cerise with orange red midstripe and lighter cerise edge. Third row orange red with slight cerise edge. Outer petals deep orange red with carmine edge. Semi double, overlapping bowl form. Flat basket growth.

( XL ) - Reg.#11245. An extra large flower with three rows of petals red with magenta edge. Outer petals dark red and midstripe. Overlapping, cup and saucer form. Flat basket growth.

Epiphyllum
Circus, Circus

Day bloomer. A circus of colors.

( L ) - Lavender purple inner petals with a pink overlay. Outer petals orange with a pink overcast. Makes very large flowers.

(XL) - One of my favorites! Awesome coral flowers with a spot of pink at the petal bases.

Epiphyllum
Coronation

Day bloomer. ( L ) - Tepals carmine red, with an iridescent pink base. Opens wide.

A wonderful plant with nice large flowers. It opens at night but then stays open for a couple days.

A beautiful icy green... it reminds me of a mint julep!

( L ) - A wonderful red day bloomer.

( M ) - A beautiful mid-sized flower on a compact plant that grows well. Created by German hybridizer Dick Kohlschreiber.

( XL ) - Beautiful scarlet flowers.

Epiphyllum
Ferris Wheel

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(XL) - Wonderful fushcia-orange petals with a rim of deep red trim. Hot pink throat. Outer petals blood red.

Overlapping, cup and saucer form. Flat and VERY BROAD faced flowers.

Epiphyllum
Flirtation

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( XL ) - Deep violet rose bloom, wide flat growth. Stiff cup and saucer.

( M ) - Day Bloomer. Nice lavender flowers. Pendant growth habit of foliage is shown below.

(L) - FRE 1988. Tele x Jennifer Ann. Reg #10509

Canary yellow with light green throat. Back petals lemon yellow. Loose double, cup and saucer form. Thick, flat growth.

Day bloomer. (S) KP#131 1990. (Reward X Macranthus var. Lau 1263) Reg.#10794

A small Yellow with dark yellow outer petals. Narrow petals. Single, loose, funnel form. Thick flat growth. Quite fragrant. The German name means "Spring Gold."

WC 1988 HST (Lemon Custard X Reward) Reg.#10560

A nice large bloom of a off white flower resembling linen cloth. Back petals yellow-amber. Overlapping and double, bell shaped form Thick flat growth.

Often a slow grower but with nice clean growth. Color tends to be a little on the cream side of white and has lovely ruffled edges.

Day bloomer. (M) - A moderately sized flower of reddish purple with an orange midstripe. Outer petals orange with a red edge. Style pinkish orange. Wheel shaped wide form. Flat basket growth. Hybridized in 1991 by Wressley Cocke with the parents ( Royal Blazor x Inner Glow ). A nice flower to have as it tends to bloom off season as well as two to three times a year. Another nice feature is that all the blooms don't open at the same time, so you get a longer-lasting display.

Epiphyllum
King Midas

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Day bloomer. (L) - Shades of golden orange, almost a peach. Cup form. Tall, lanky growth.

Epiphyllum
Knebel`s Farbenwunder

(M) - DAY BLOOMER. Deep dark red outer cup with carmine edge, hot pink to fuschia inner petals.

Flowers begin to swell at noon, are fully open that night, and persist in perfect condition for up to 4 days.

Wonderfully translucent petals have a metallic sheen to them. I love this plant!

The name means "Knebel`s Color Wonder" in German.

A prolific plant that blooms frequently once mature.

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(L) - The hybridizer picked a very appropriate name for this clone.

Wonderfully vibrant lemon yellow flowers.

Description

XL flower

Epiphyllum
Magic Carpet

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Day bloomer. (L) - Overlapping, cup and saucer form.

Lavender purple with purple edge and orange midstripe. Outer petals dark orange with purple edge.

Day bloomer. ( M ) - A medium bloom of magenta rose with chartreuse to light green throat. Outer petals red to purple. Overlapping double, opens wide. Stamens circle, style cream. A George French Hybrid that was registered in 1985 with the parents ( Flirtation x Fair Lassie).

Epiphyllum
Million Dollar Red

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Day bloomer. ( L ) - The name says it all. The brightest red seen in just about any flower out there. Shiny red with dark red outer petals.

Double cup and saucer form. Flat stem growth.

Epiphyllum
Morning Sunshine

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Day bloomer. ( XL ) - Double overlapping, cup and saucer form.

Inner petals are yellow with slightly darker yellow edge, next row is deep yellow. Next row is bronze orange with yellow tips and edge. Petals are wide and ruffled. Outer petals orange-yellow.

Epiphyllum
Omni

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( XL ) - Orange and pink with purple edge.

Outer petals are wine red with orange midstripe.

Opens wide.

Epiphyllum
Overture

Flowers initially open at night, but they persist through the next day.

Cream to light lime colored flowers. Outer tepals commonly solid yellow (I think more fertilizer and more light helps to achieve this).

( L ) - Cup and saucer. Violet-carmine with lighter edge.

Outer petals are dark red and radiate like spokes.

Epiphyllum
Petal Pusher

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( L ) - Melon red with cerise trim on inner petals, rounded serrated edges. Outer petals melon red. 19 Stigma lobes and swirling stamens. Double, cup and saucer form. Flat stem growth.

(L) - Cup shaped, glowing flowers.

(L) - WC 1978 HST (Ruby Snowflake X Tassel): A large bloom with over 80 narrow pointed petals in a very bright light pink that can turn soft to bright throughout. Very unusual bloom in very high demand. Good basket plant.

(XL) - Very nice Day Blooming Epi. Blossoms last for several days.

(XL) - This blossom has a wonderful contrast between the petal centers and edges. A unique look that should be in every collection.

(L) - FB 1988 HST ( Space Rocket X Reward ) Reg.#10567.

A large flower of Deep orange red with cerise edge. Broad ruffled petals. 2nd & 3rd rows deep orange. Outer petals red orange. Double bell form. Flat and triangular basket growth.

(XL) - This is one of my favorites.

Absolutely beautiful colors, and a really nice clean form. Great symmetry in this flower.

Triangular upright growth for the first few years, then slowly gets a little droopy.

You can keep this in a non-hanging pot if you use a small wire guide (miniature version of a tomato plant cage).

This plant blooms readily and often... one of the most dependable bloomers I've ever seen.

(S) - WC 1981 CEC (Bridal Shower x Shinto) Reg.#9815

One of the smallest of the reds. Heavy blooming and free-flowering, suitable for basket growth. Candy apple red, a very deep shade of red. Blooms early. Overlapping bell form. Small growth.

Flower is usually around 1 1/2" to 2" across and the flower is dark red and deepens each day. Lasts on the plant for a week or more and very free flowering.

Epiphyllum
Seven Seas

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(XL) - Cup shaped, glowing flowers. Wonderful fushcia petals. Hot pink throat with a touch of gold at the stamen base.

currently unavailable

( M ) - CP 1956 Reg.#8855

A medium flower. Gorgeous beginners plant, easy grower. Compact flower with many petals of pure sparkling white inner petals. Outer petals are solid hot lavender. Blooms heavily.

Spiny growth and a very compact plant. Nice hanging basket plant. Tends to bloom late as well as early in the season.

( XL ) - Awesome tropical burst of color... this flower reminds me of a cocktail at sunset on a beach in the Caribbean!

Epiphyllum
Smarty Pants

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( S ) - Pink with magenta midstripe. Outer petals crimson. Double, bell-shaped. Flat growth.

Epiphyllum
Society

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( XL ) - Deep orange with golden orange midstripe, fuchsia edge. Outer petals golden orange with deep orange midstripe.

Overlapping, cup and saucer.

( XL ) - Reg.#5623. Brilliant orange-red with violet edge flowers! Outer petals are red. Cup and saucer form. A very uncommon, hard-to-come-by plant. The German name means “Star of Erlau.”

Exquisite star shaped bloom of shiny orange and red, edged in carmine. Petals are overlapping and alternating in color. Opens almost flat. Cup and saucer form. Red stamens, white anthers. Red style, White stigma lobes. Flat growth is quite stiff and can be kept in standing pot or in hanging basket.

(S to M) - WC 1990 D&JF (Orchid Bells X Ruby Snowflake) Reg.#10990

A small to medium, Solid, translucent fuchsia. Outer petals a slight peach color with a fuchsia center. Style cream. Double overlapping, bell form. Small and branched flat growth. Heavy bloomer!!

These flowers open in early May and lasts thru early June. They last close to a week on the plant and each day darken in color from a light pink/fuchsia to a dark fuchsia color. Fairly nice clean grower. Lots of flowers on a small plant -- excellent choice for people who grow indoors or in a greenhouse.

Epiphyllum
Sunland

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( L ) - Bright orange with small red throat. Outer petals lighter. Broad petals. Filaments self-color to red.

( XL ) - An extra large bloom of Neyron rose with a crimson throat. Cup and saucer form. Flat basket growth. Hybridized by George French in 1983 with the parents of ( David Walter x Tassel ). A reliable grower and never fails to produce an abundance of blooms once the plant is established. Great plant to grow in a basket.

Epiphyllum
Tel Star

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( XL ) - Orange and fuchsia throat. Broad petals. Bowl form.

Epiphyllum
Tele Ann

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( XL ) - Tri-colored flowers have chocolate outer petals, golden second tier, and a cream inner cup.

Epiphyllum
Texas Flame

( L ) - Parents are (H. aurantiacus var. blomianus X Lilac Time) Reg. #971. Outer petals dark orange. Thick growth. If warm colors are your preference, this is your flower. Grows like a weed and heavy bloomer. Hybridized by Wressey Cocke in 1980 and registered by Ethel Hurst.

This hybrid tends to take a lot of energy to produce blooms and usually looks very wilted after blooming but the flower is well worth it. Don't water too much after blooming because after a few weeks of recovery the plant looks fine again. Blooms very late in the season.

Epiphyllum
Three Oranges

Day bloomer.

Epiphyllum
Unforgettable

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( XL ) - LARGE double cup and saucer. Shading from a magenta mid-stripe to pale, almost white-edged, crimped, pinched tips with fluted edged.

Second and third rows are magenta with dark red mid stripe. Outer petals dark red with lighter red mid stripe. Stamens circle, style pink.

Epiphyllum
Velma F

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( XL ) - Just look at this amazing flower!

Epiphyllum
Watermellon

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( XL ) - Dark pink, wide petaled. Cup and saucer. Very sweetly fragrant.

Epiphyllum
Whirlibird

( L ) Long narrow sepals stand away stiffly. Petals are orange with narrow edge of fuchsia and are shorter than sepals.

Reg.#11698. GM 1995 (Ruth Wallace X Acapulco Sunset)

A large gorgeous flower from hybridizer, Gerry Mattijetz. Light peach-orange with picotee of light violet. Outer petals are broad and peach-orange. Loose double cup and saucer.

This is a very prolific bloomer and tends to run to almost extra large. The flower is great in a hanging basket and darkens each day, lasting around four days.

Epiphyllum
Wegner's Burnt Orange

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( XL ) - Dark orange (do you remember the "burnt sienna" crayon from your Crayola 64 pack as a kid?). Widely spreading spidery petals.

Epiphyllum
You're The One

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Day bloomer. ( XL ) - First row in lavender, tips in red down one inch deep cerise, then 3 rows all red. Outer petals red-orange. Overlapping, cup and saucer saucer form. Flat basket growth.

Day bloomer. (XL) - Large light pink flowers with thin petals that are slightly incurved. Can be grown in a pot or a hangingbasket.

• SPMN = specimen plant with multiple blooming size growths
• BS = blooming size, will flower at next appropriate flowering season for that plant
• NBS = near blooming size, may flower at next season for that plant
• L SDL = large seedling, 1-2 years until blooming size
• SDL =  seedling, 2+ years until blooming size

Plants with a perfume bottle next to their name are fragrant.

• Cool to Intermediate = 48°F min. to 78°F max.
• Intermediate to Cool = 52°F min. to 80°F max.
• Intermediate = 55°F min. to 85°F max.
• Intermediate to Warm = 58°F min. to 88°F max.
• Warm = 65°F min. to 95°F max.

• Moist = water often; do not let dry completely
• Slightly Moist = 2-3 waterings per week; let dry slightly between waterings; in warm weather water daily (possibly more than once)
• Slightly dry = 1-2 waterings per week; let dry entirely between waterings
• Dry = 1 watering per week or less; let dry completely for a couple days or longer between waterings

Some orchids require seasonal differences. These are designated by growing season first/dormant season second.