Rooted Epiphyllum Plants

• Epiphyllum is a family of cacti that produce short-lived but large flowers atop their flat stems. These plants are related to orchids and bromelids, and most species use a broad base of smaller roots to anchor themselves to the soil. All epiphyllum plants will suffer from root rot and other damage if you add too much moisture to the soil.

Epiphyllum Crenatum

• The crenatum species of the epiphyllum plant blooms during the day, unlike most varieties that only bloom at night. The large blooms most commonly come in white or cream. However, varieties are available from hybridization and selective breeding that will produce yellow or reddish orange blooms as well. Plants of the Chichicastenango variety will only produce a few unusually shaped leaf like stems near the base of the blossom, making it a perfect choice for a small indoor pot.

Epiphyllum Phyllantus

• A number of hybrids and variations of the phyllantus group of epiphyllums make for interesting house plants or garden additions in warm climates. Phyllantus stems are often identified by the brown margins on their stems, and the petals of the blooms on these plants are arranged at right angles to the tube of the flower. The tubes tend to be longer, creating an interesting and unusual looking blossom. Most varieties of phyllantus bloom at night, and white is the most common color. Plants of the rubro coronatum variation feature bright orange or red stamens that stand out against the white petals.

Epiphyllum Floribundum

• Featuring dual-colored flowers and multiple blossoms from one stem, the floribundum species is popular among epiphyllum growers who enjoy their flowers. The flowers also stay open longer than a single day with the proper care, which is not true for many other types of epiphyllum. The outer layer of petals ranges from red to orange, while the inner layer is either white or light yellow. The proper application of a blooming fertilizer will encourage the floribundum to produce multiple flowers.

Epiphyllum Lepidocarpum

• Growers with cooler indoor climates may want to try the lepidocarpum species, due to its tolerance of lower temperatures. It features the same narrow stems and wider flowers of a crenatum variety, but both the stems and base of the blooms are covered in tiny white hairs. Like most epiphyllum varieties, lepidocarpum plants will be damaged if exposed to frost or temperatures below 40 degrees F. They also need bright but indirect sunlight to produce blooms.