Too often, the spinose members of the cactus family have been used to symbolize the desert of the southwest.
Consequently, few people know that not all cacti have spines or grow in the desert.
Orchid Cactus “Spineless Species”
Of this latter class, the epiphyllum hybrids, now commonly called orchid cacti, have long, leaf-like, spineless joints (or branches) and thrive in a humid atmosphere.
They are the products of plant breeders’ skills.
Heliocereus Speciosus
Among the strange plants imported into Europe after Mexico’s conquest were several cacti species, such as the terrestrial Heliocereus speciosus.
It is a day-blooming, carmine-flowered variety, with a day-blooming, carmine-flowered a beautiful, iridescent blue sheen and several species of epiphyllums having large white flowers that bloom at night.
Epiphyllums
Epiphyllums are native to the rain forests of Central and South America, where they grow high up on the branches of jungle trees.
They are not parasites but cling to the fissured bark with hair-like, fibrous roots that absorb moisture and nourishment from decaying vegetation.
European Epiphyllum Hybrids
During the early 19th century, European hybridists produced several fine hybrids that brought fabulous prices to the European markets by crossing and recrossing these cacti.
It was not until the early 20th century that a California cactus grower imported some of these European epiphyllum hybrids.
By crossing them with native-related cacti, he built up a collection of several hundred kinds within a few years.
Other growers soon became interested in the “new” cactus plants.
Before long, these men had produced several thousand varieties that, for the sheer beauty of flower and range of colors, cannot be surpassed by any other flowering plant.
Blue is now the only color missing among cactus flowers, but plant breeders are working on it to complete the rainbow.
Orchid Cacti Characteristics
While most true species of epiphyllums are nocturnal (opening in the evening and closing the next morning), the orchid cacti bloom during the day. Usually, they remain open for several days during the cool weather.
The hybrids also have larger flowers, with some up to 10” inches across.
Many of these are fragrant, but only at night-time when the temperature drops.
The flower colors are not always stable due to the law of variation. Lighter or darker hues may be due to soil and temperature variation.
Unfortunately, it takes several years to bring a seedling to the flowering stage, but plants grown from hybrid seeds produce many surprises.
Easy Culture Of Orchid Cacti
Like all cactus family members, orchid cacti are drought-resistant and so do not mind being neglected for short periods during vacation time.
Their easy culture makes them the most desirable of house plants.
Orchid cacti may be purchased from growers and dealers in various sizes. However, the large specimen plants are usually shipped in pots or containers and are expensive.
The medium-sized plants, with 3 or 4 branches, generally are of flowering size and may have a bud or two when ordered in spring.
Rooted and unrooted cuttings (meaning single, leaf-like branches) cost only a few cents and have the advantage of being shaped to suit the individual.
Planting And Maintenance
The plant form is bush-like, branching from the base, with long, pendant, leaf-like joints.
If a bushy plant with short branches is desired, pinch off the growing tip with the fingernails when the desired length is reached.
The long, drooping branches are attractive when planted in hanging baskets for sunrooms.
Glazed or clay pots may be used with equal success, except in the southwest, where the lack of humidity in the air makes tin cans better containers for orchid cacti, providing that sizeable holes for drainage are punched in the sides of the cans.
Hanging baskets lined with moss and filled with a rich soil mixture are ideal for a shady porch, grape arbor, or a branch of a large tree.
Ideal Soil Conditions
Because of their limited root system, orchid cacti require rich soil to give them sufficient nourishment for growth and flowers.
A good mixture is one part leaf mold, one part well-rotted steer manure (ground up and at least two years old), one part sharp sand (not fine beach sand), and one part coarse gravel with a handful of crushed charcoal added to sweeten the soil.
The resulting mixture will be porous, air-containing, and nourishing.
Success does not depend too much on the exact observance of a definite soil formula.
Any garden soil rich in humus, such as used for ferns, begonias, and geraniums, may be used.
Proper Potting And Repotting Method
For potting rooted cuttings and repotting plants, it is advisable to place an inch or two of gravel or crushed pieces of clay pots at the bottom of the container for quick drainage of excess water.
Here’s how to do it properly:
- Hold the plant or cutting in a growing position over the pot and fill in around its roots with pre-mixed soil.
- Press gently but firmly around the base of the plant, taking care not to break the hair-like roots.
- Withhold water for a week or 10 days, then water sparingly until the plant is established and shows signs of new growth.
Planting Unrotted Cuttings
- Unrooted cuttings should be placed in a cool, dry place for a week or until the cut edge has formed scar tissue.
- Several cuttings may be planted in a large pot filled with equal parts of peat moss and sand.
- Place the cuttings about 1 ½” inches into the soil. If the cutting is over 6” inches long, fasten a stake to hold it upright.
- Withhold water for a week, then keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Roots are usually formed in about 4 or 5 weeks if planted in spring or summer, after which the cuttings should be transplanted into individual pots.
Light Requirements
Orchid cacti do not want full sunshine but prefer the slanting rays of the morning or late afternoon sun.
It is well to remember that the ancestors of orchid cacti receive only the sunshine that filters through the tree tops in their jungle home.
Orchid cacti need very little sunshine but must have plenty of light and fresh air.
They do well on a shady porch in cool, moist climates after the danger of frost is past.
Here, they are sheltered from hard rains and enjoy the sun’s slanting rays.
Plants should be watered daily during the hot summer months except on cloudy or rainy days.
A light spray in the late afternoon will remove accumulated dust and produce a humid atmosphere during the hot summer months.
Overwintering Orchid Cacti
Orchid cacti should be brought into the house before there is a danger of frost.
They may be stored on a table near a window as far as possible from heat.
Crowding them among geraniums, or other leafy plants creates humidity in the atmosphere so desirable for air plants.
They should have complete rest during December and January. A room having a temperature range from 32° to 45° degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
However, orchid cacti will tolerate a low of 28° degrees Fahrenheit for a short time without harm.
A temperature higher than 45° degrees Fahrenheit will encourage undesirable winter growth.
If etiolation (thread-like growth) appears, wait until spring to remove it.
Watering Requirements
A half-cup of warm water twice a month or just enough to keep the roots from drying up is sufficient during December, January, and February.
If stored in a basement, do not water during December and January.
Start watering in March when buds are developing.
Here are the following steps to do it:
- Place the pots in a pan of warm water until they are thoroughly soaked.
- Then, replace them in the same position as during the winter rest.
- Mark the side of each pot facing the window to keep the position straight during this move.
Unless this is done, the buds may fail to develop. Do not water again until the soil has dried out, but increase water as the weather warms and the buds appear.
Water twice a week until the hot weather comes, never letting the plants dry out completely during the growing season.
Flowering Season Varies
The flowering season varies with the temperature and sunshine.
The first flowers may be expected in April to last through June, although a few will bloom all summer.
Often, unrooted cuttings will produce a bud the first year. It really would be better for the plant if this were removed, but few people dare to do so.
So often, they settle for that first flower and sacrifice the extra branch that the plant would produce if the bud were removed.
Select a few hardy species to experiment with for a beginner’s collection rather than the newer highly-bred types.
One of the most widely grown varieties is the Ackermannii hybrid, which thrives in ordinary garden soil with little or indifferent care. Its bright red flowers appear throughout the summer months.
Conway Giant, Padre, Sun Goddess, Thunder Cloud, Celestine, Marseillaise, and Sunburst are hardy and time-tested.
42952 by Claire Proctor