Epiphyllum hybrid

The plants known as epiphyllum hybrids, epiphyllums, epicacti, or just epis, as well as orchid cacti, which are widely grown for their flowers, are artificial hybrids of species within the group of cacti placed in the tribe Hylocereeae, particularly species of Disocactus, Pseudorhipsalis and Selenicereus. In spite of the common name, species in the genus Epiphyllum are less often involved as parents of epiphyllum hybrids.[1]

This article is about a group of artificial hybrids known as epiphyllums. For the genus, see Epiphyllum.
Epiphyllum 'Wendy'

History

The parent species from which epiphyllum hybrids were bred are different in appearance and habit from most cacti. They are found in the tropical forests of Central America where they grow as climbers or on trees as epiphytes. They have leafless (or apparently leafless) flattened stems which act as the plant's photosynthetic organs. Relatively large flowers are borne on the sides of the stems; in many species they open at night.[2] Thousands of cultivated hybrids have been created, often with the intention of increasing the size and colour range of their flowers, which average 13–20 cm (5–8 in) across, although the largest can reach 38 cm (15 in).[3]

Hybrids between Disocactus and Epiphyllum have been called ×Disophyllum or ×Aporophyllum.[4][5]

The Epiphyllum Society of America (the International Registration Authority for hybrids of the Tribe Hylocereeae) maintains a list of epiphyllum hybrids (and Hylocereeae species) which contained over 7,000 names in 1996.[6]

Cultivation
Newly developing epiphyllum flowers

Epiphyllum hybrids need different treatment from semi-desert cacti. They should be protected from direct sunlight, with preferably 75% shading at midday. They are not frost hardy, so need to be protected from freezing conditions. It is recommended that the growing medium allows rapid drainage of water and is open, with at least one third of coarse material to prevent compaction. Plants should be kept moist. High nitrogen fertilizers are not recommended; no fertilizer should be given during the winter rest period.[7][8]

Propagating epiphyllum hybrids from cuttings is said to be easy. Rooting hormone can be applied to the base of the cutting before it is allowed to dry for ten days or more so that the cut forms a callus. The cutting is then planted sufficiently deeply so that it can stand upright. Water is not given for two weeks, after which the growing medium is kept at least slightly moist. Plants can be misted. They are fast growing plants and should flower within two years. Epiphyllum hybrids should be re-potted every 2 to 3 years as they tend to sour and deplete the nutrients in their growing medium. Because the plants are aggressive and grow quickly, they are susceptible to depleting the potassium in their growing medium which results in older growth failing to remain turgid and shriveling. They should be provided a balanced fertilizer when in active growth to prevent the older growth from shriveling. Flowering is triggered by withholding water and giving the plants a dry resting period of about two months during their winter rest.[9][7][8]

Flower variation in epiphyllum hybrids
'Helmut Oetken'
'George French'
'King Midas'
'Unforgettable'

References
  1. Anderson, Edward F. (2001), The Cactus Family, Pentland, Oregon: Timber Press, ISBN 978-0-88192-498-5, p. 286
  2. Anderson 2001, p. 101.
  3. Hewitt, Terry (1998), The complete book of cacti & succulents, London: Covent Garden Books, p. 73, ISBN 978-1-85605-402-7
  4. "Disophyllum — The Plant List". www.theplantlist.org.
  5. "Aporophyllum hybrids or 'Rat Tail Cactus'". www.nurseriesonline.us.
  6. "Registry - Epiphyllum Society of America". www.epiphyllums.org.
  7. "Cultural Information - Epiphyllum Society of America". www.epiphyllums.org.
  8. "The 'Bulletin' - Epiphyllum Society of America". www.epiphyllums.org.
  9. "Help! Whats wrong with my Epiphyllum? - CactiGuide.com". cactiguide.com.
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