How to Care for Red Epiphyllum Hybrids

The red epiphyllum is one of several varieties of the epiphyllum or orchid cacti that is available to grow as a houseplant in nontropical climates. Because it grows best in indirect light and under comfortable temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, owners are pleased when it produces showy blossoms in the middle of the winter when nothing is growing outside. Care for the hybrid epiphyllum is not complicated, but you cannot treat it as a cacti or it will be stunted or die.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

• Potting soil
• Perlite
• Balanced fertilizer

1. Plant the orchid cacti in a well-draining but moisture-holding medium such as a mixture of 3 parts potting soil and 1 part perlite.

2. Water the plant only after the top third of the soil has had a chance to dry out and use enough water so that it drains from the bottom, once a week.

3. Keep the red epiphyllum in a spot where it gets light but little direct sunlight or the leaves will yellow. Look for green leaves with a slight red tinge around the edge to know if the lighting is perfect for the epiphyllum.

4. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Allow the roots to fill the planting container instead of repotting it so that the plant will bloom more profusely and repot only once every seven years.