Epicactus

All hybrids of ‘epiphytic cacti species’ hence the common name of Epicactus. These epiphytic cacti were originally found in the tropical to sub tropical areas of Central and South America. The Epicactus we see today are generally highly bred and produce fantastic flowers.

Grown mainly for the very colourful flowers they are available in flower colours from white through to pink and red.

Growing Epicactus

Start with Epicactus gigantea, its fairly easy to grow. Try a large free draining pot, keep moist but not to wet and try not to let them dry out.

• Use a potting mix that drains well, add some pine bark, similar to that use for cymbidium orchids, or some perlite to ‘open up’ ordinary potting mix.
• Be careful with over watering. Overwatering in one of the main problems with growing these wonderful plants.
• In high rainfall and humid climates, they are best grown under cover. Try a porch verandah or grow them beneath waterproof shade cloth.
• Less water in winter and more in summer is a general rule.
• Hanging baskets are a great way to grow epicactus.
• Use a 70% shade cloth to mimic the jungle conditions these plants prefer.
• Do not over pot, these are a plant that prefer to be slightly pot bound.
• Use low nitrogen fertilisers, this will help with flower production. Applications of seaweed fertiliser are also beneficial.
• Once established, Epicactus are a remarkably hardy plant and require little care.

If growing from cuttings, be patient, remove flower buds from first year plants to promote strong growth.

Species Epicactus include: Epipcactis gigantea, Epipactis helleborine, Epipactis thunbergii, Epipactis youngiana and others.

Epicactus are available for sale from the following participating nurseries

Links and Resources
The Cactus Society of Queensland
Wikipedia
Epiphyllum Society of America
San Diego Epiphyllum Society

LYNN'S RARE PLANTS
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au