Epiphyllum oxypetallum often commonly called "Epis" and sometimes called "Orchid Cactus", although this is not really correct since true Orchid Cactus are not epiphyllums at all......
I think what I love best about Epis:
Often the rattiest looking plant:
Bears the lovliest flower:
Epiphyllum is a genus of cacti where all species have flat leaflike stems -- those are stems, not leaves.
Epis originate from tropical forests of Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. Most grow in trees where they tuck their roots into pockets of decaying vegetable matter which settles into nooks and crannies of tree branches.
A few Epis may be found lower down near often rocky ground where their roots find their way into rocky crevices where also is found composted dead remains of surrounding vegetation.
Their tropical environment provides them with lots of warmth and high humidity and most important .. shading from full sun. Other plants that can be found growing in the same habitat are orchids, bromeliads, ferns and mosses.
Cheryl,
What beautiful flowers those cacti produce. Thanks for the visual joy!
Mike in Tucson
You're welcome. My oldest Epis are over 70 years old -- they belonged to my mother.
Sometimes when people are moving out, I'll spot a potted Epi about to be discarded. Except for the few days that the flowers bloom each year, Epis can look a bit raggedy. So, I'm afraid many unfortunately do get discarded by people who don't recognize them.
If I see one headed to the dump, I always ask if I can rescue the "unwanted cactus"....