Epiphyllum ANGULIGER

Epiphyllum ANGULIGER - Fishbone cactus, Zigzag cactus, Epiphyllum anguliger, Darrah's epiphyllum, Epiphyllum DARRAHII, Phyllocactus, Disocactus.

Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytes in the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising about 20 species. A characteristic feature of this plant native to Central America and southward is the presence of leaf-like stems.

The fleshy leaf-like stems have serrations and spines along the margins. True leaves form in the indentations of the shoots beneath the areoles and take the form of small scales. The fragrant funnel-shaped flowers are large with a fairly long floral tube and can have various colorations: cream, pink, white, yellow, and red with diverse shades, though blue-toned flowers never occur.

Epiphyllum can bear fruit under home conditions, but cross-pollination is required for this. The fruits are quite large, similar in size to a plum; the surface often has bristles or spines, colored yellow-green or purple depending on the flower color. These fruits are edible, with flesh possessing a sweetish strawberry-pineapple flavor.

The beautiful wavy growth habit makes the already unusual epiphyllum particularly attractive to growers, and for decades it has successfully maintained its status as one of the most sought-after houseplants.

Fishbone cactus is a shrubby, profusely branching cactus with cylindrical, woody stems that are often triangular at the base. Lateral stems are lanceolate with deeply carved margins. The length of the stems reaches 1 meter (3.3 ft), with a width of 4-8 cm (1.6-3.1 in). The areoles are sometimes adorned with one or two white bristles. The fragrant flowers are very large, from 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) in diameter. Members of the species occur in southern Mexico.

Seeds are sown into a cactus mix diluted by half with sand, on the surface without burying, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Sprouts require ventilation. Both overwatering and desiccation of the sowings must be avoided.

Within 2-3 weeks after sowing, genuine small cacti sprout with uncharacteristic faceted stems and dense spines. After 3-4 months, the stems flatten, lose spines, and become leaf-like. Under good conditions, young plants bloom in their 4th to 5th year.

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Epiphyllum prefers bright but diffused light. It can grow in partial shade, but with insufficient light, growth slows down and yellowing of the stem edges may occur. For abundant and showy flowering, the plant needs as much diffused light as possible. During the summer period, it is recommended to place the plant outdoors in fresh air in a bright spot without direct sun rays.

The temperature during the spring and summer period is preferably around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). During the period of relative dormancy, from November to February, if possible, the temperature is best reduced to 10–15 °C (50–59 °F).

Like all cacti of humid forests, it must be watered much more frequently than species originating from arid regions; the soil in the pot should always remain moderately moist. Watering is done as the upper layer of the substrate dries out. Soft water at room temperature should be used. During the period of relative dormancy in winter, watering is reduced (watering after the soil ball dries out). With a very cold wintering, watering should be stopped completely. In March, watering is slightly increased, and with the appearance of buds, abundant watering begins.

The plant is not overly demanding of air humidity, yet prefers elevated levels. In summer during hot weather, it is advisable to regularly mist the plant with soft, settled water.

From March to September, feeding with cactus fertilizer should be carried out twice a month. Alternatively, upon the appearance of buds, feeding with mullein infusion (1 part to 4 parts water) can be done; after flowering and until the end of summer, such feeding can be repeated every 2 weeks. Part of the organic feedings can be replaced with standard nitrogen-containing houseplant fertilizer.

After the dormant period, in late February, the plant begins to grow, and buds are set on the thickened areoles. Moving the plant to a different spot is not recommended, as bud drop may occur.

It blooms most often in spring (from April to June). Each flower lasts up to 5 days. During blooming, the plant must be regularly watered, fed, and misted. Under favorable conditions, the plant can bloom again in autumn.

Each areole produces a flower on a shoot only once; therefore, after several years, old shoots lose the ability to flower and must be removed.

In addition, alongside the broad, leaf-like shoots, slender, mostly triangular shoots sometimes grow. It is best to cut these out as well, as flower buds almost never form on them.

Repotting epiphyllum is best done after flowering, as needed. A snug pot stimulates flowering, so annual repotting is not required. Containers should be shallow, wide, and porous, because the root system in most epiphyllums is shallowly developed. The plant is withheld from watering for 2 days prior to repotting so dry soil falls away from the roots more easily. After repotting, the plant is placed in a shaded spot and watered cautiously.

Fertile soil is used, which can be composed of leaf mold, fibrous sod soil, sand, and crushed charcoal (4:1:1:1). A commercial cactus substrate mixed with a substantial proportion of peat can also be used, or 1/4-1/3 coarse sand can be added to semi-rotted leaf mold. Soil acidity should be in the range of pH 5-6. Lime is strictly contraindicated.