Epiphyllum 'American Sweetheart' #196

'The Orchid Cactus'

A genus of cactus that has been extensively hybridized by man for over 100 years.

Flower sizes can vary from the miniatures at 7 cm to the monsters sometimes reaching 30 cm or more across. Plants flower from 4 to 6 weeks in mid spring. Stems may need support for best results.

Epiphyllum are well suited to outdoor growing in almost all parts of Australia although areas that do not experience cold in winter may not be able to flower the plants.

They prefer shade levels of about 50%, less than 30% will cause leaves to be sun bleached and more than 75% may retard flowering.

Epiphyllum prefer open composted soils or in pots any potting mix.

In extremely cold and wet climates keep plant dry in winter or provide a very well drained potting media.

Fertilize well when new growth appears in Spring and keep plant well-watered all through the growing season, reduce watering in winter to encourage flower initiation for spring.