Also known as Orchid Cactus · 15 gardener saves
Epiphyllum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Epiphyllum, the genus most gardeners know as orchid cactus. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Epiphyllum varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most saved'Clown' Orchid Cactus
Epiphyllum oxypetalum 'Clown'
#2 most savedQueen of the Night
Epiphyllum oxypetalum
#3 most savedGerman Empress Cactus
Epiphyllum oxypetalum 'German Empress'
King Midas Orchid Cactus
Epiphyllum oxypetalum 'King Midas'
Raspberry Delight Orchid Cactus
Epiphyllum oxypetalum 'Raspberry Delight'
Ric Rac Cactus Fishbone Cactus
Epiphyllum oxypetalum 'Ric Rac'
How to grow Epiphyllum
What the Epiphyllum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Epiphyllum year
- PruneJune and July100% of varieties
Remove old, woody, or damaged stems after flowering
- FertilizeMarch–August100% of varieties
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Winter PrepSeptember and October100% of varieties
Bring container indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F
- PropagateApril–July67% of varieties
Take stem cuttings; allow cut end to dry/callus before planting
- PlantApril and May33% of varieties
Repot or plant cuttings after danger of frost has passed
- Check for PestsSeptember33% of varieties
Inspect thoroughly for mealybugs and scale before moving indoors
Do
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Repot every 2-3 years to refresh soil and accommodate growth
- Water sparingly during winter, more frequently in summer 🌱
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for healthy blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, especially in winter ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight that can scorch stems
- Never use heavy, clay soil that retains too much moisture
What goes wrong with Epiphyllum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony patches on stems | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Hard, brown or black bumps on stems | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Yellowing and wilting stems | Improve drainage, reduce watering, repot if necessary |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Apply a fungicide and remove affected areas |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Reduce watering and repot in dry, well-draining soil |
Making more Epiphyllum
Cuttings
- Select a healthy stem and let it callus for 24 hours.
- Plant the callused end into dry, well-draining soil.
- Water lightly after planting, keeping soil slightly moist.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots typically develop in 4-6 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
- Cut healthy stem segments with clean scissors, 6 inches long.
- Allow cuttings to callus for 2-3 days in a dry, shaded area.
- Plant callused end into well-draining cactus soil.
- Water lightly after planting and keep in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Epiphyllum questions
How many types of Epiphyllum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Epiphyllum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 15 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Epiphyllum grow in?
Across its varieties, Epiphyllum covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Epiphyllum bloom?
Most Epiphyllum varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, mid-summer, spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Epiphyllum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Epiphyllum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Epiphyllum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
