Cacti are the last plants you ’d look to see flourish without a speck of soil , right ? Well , get ready to have your psyche brag by a group of cacti that not only make it but positively prosper growing on other works , rocks , and just about anywhere their roots can cling . call in epiphytic cacti , these quirky , dirt - scorning varieties are rewriting all the rule about how and where cacti can raise .
If you stargaze of scurvy - upkeep houseplants that are dead unparalleled , cache some serious gardening cool detail , and basically defy the laws of nature , then epiphytic cacti might just become your new fixation . Here ’s everything you need to know about these soil - free wonderment .
content
What the Heck are Epiphytic Cacti?
The word “ epiphytic ” comes from the Greek Son “ epi ” mean upon , and “ phyton ” mean works . Soepiphytic plantsare single that grow on other plants , derive moisture and nutrients from the melody , rainfall , and whatever decay organic matter accumulates around it .
While orchids , ferns , and bromeliads are probably the best known aerophyte , there is a wholegroup of cactispecies that fall into this family too . Rather than comeuppance , these cat are right at home cling to tree trunks and branch in tropical rainforests from Mexico down through Central and South America .
Unlike their bestial , spiny desert cousins , epiphytic cacti have leave-taking and staunch that are bland , delicate , and often vividly color . Many varieties also bring forth fragrant , showy flowers in hopeful pinks , reds , oranges and yellow . It ’s like a whole fresh , alien breed of cacti that seems almost too strange and beautiful to be existent .
Why Grow Epiphytic Cacti?
So what makes these plants so special beyond just being incredibly uncanny ? For starters , they require basically zero soil , making them a complete choice for small spaces or position without much light . Since their roots do n’t penetrate the host plant , they cause no harm and can be grown on trees , logs , rocks or jump on on boards or walls .
verbalize of depressed - spark weather , many varieties will expand in low - light areas like the home or office where distinctive cacti would sulk . And since they ’re used to hot , humid tropical conditions , they ’re ideal easy - upkeep houseplant for steamy summertime home .
If you ’ve always have intercourse the idea of growing orchids or air plants but miss a green ovolo , epiphytic cacti may be your new best friend . They ’re among the modest - maintenance plants out there , requiring very little beyond tolerable airflow and a weekly misting . As a bonus , these unique , alien - comparable plants are awful conversation starters !
Popular Epiphytic Cacti Genera
There are around 200 species circulate across several different genera of epiphytic cacti . Some of the most mutual you ’ll find oneself include :
Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus)
Over 60trailing varieties , including some with bright red , yellow or orange bow . Great for hanging basket .
Selenicereus (Queen of the Night)
Named for itsnight - bloom , white toothsome flowers that release an intoxicating perfume after dark .
Disocactus
Featuresunique flat , leaf - similar bow and showy blossom in vivid colors . Native to the Caribbean region .
Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus)
One of the more arresting epiphytic genera , with huge , vibrantly coloured flowers up to 1 metrical unit across !
Weberocereus
Perhaps the least known genus of epiphytic cacti . Many species of unfolding cacti are part of this group , bearing typically green or lily-white flower . Most Weberocereus mintage are launch in Costa Rica or Nicaragua .
How to Grow Epiphytic Cacti
With such a absorbing , bizarre growth habit , you ’d imagine epiphytic cacti would be finicky , high - maintenance plants . But quite the opposite is true ! Here ’s a quick overview of how to care for and propagate these unequaled plants :
Growing Medium
In their natural environment , epiphytes root into decay plant matter and other organic debris that collects in the nooks and crannies of trees and rock music . To replicate those conditions , practice a chunky , extremely well - run out mixture of :
you’re able to also mount these rootless wonders onto pieces of wood , bark , cork slab or boards using sphagnum moss or twine to check them in place .
Light
Epiphytic cacti broadly prefer brilliant , filter out light or morning / evening sun . Too much direct , intense light can do their fragile leaves and stems to burn . An east or west - facing windowpane is ideal for indoor plants .
Water
These plant life like their growing medium to stay slightly moist , but not sopping tight . Plan to give them a good misting or watering about once a week , allow the culture medium to dry out out somewhat between waterings . contract water in winter when growth is minimum .
you may also affix episodic watering with a balanced 20 - 20 - 20 fertiliser during the growing time of year to allow for a nutritive boost .
How to Propagate Epiphytic Cacti
Epiphytic cacti are some of the easiest plant life to circularize from germ , cut or offsets :
So if you ’re looking for entrancing , unique plants that make a command and redefine what it have in mind to be a cactus , look no further than the incredible epiphytic varieties . With their quirky , foreign - like appearing and rest of care , these territory - free wonders are quickly catching on as the hot new houseplant craze for gardeners of all level .
