Features
This epiphytic cactus is fun and easy to grow. The plant produces a loose mass of long, flat, strappy foliage that results in a lovely sculptural effect. Mature plants produce big, fragrant white flowers in summer, however, because this is a night blooming cactus, the flowers open only at night and close by morning. Native to Mexico and Central America and named after the botanist who first recorded this species, Sir William Hooker.
Uses
Looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets. Perfect for growing on a lightly shaded deck, patio, or porch during warm weather.
Why is the bud on my epiphyllum hook I orchid cactus dieing before it blooms.
PLEASE HELP. 😩
Hi Patter,
First of all, just a reminder that the orchid cactus blooms at night. If you didn’t know this you might witness a plump, healthy flower bud before you go to bed at night and wake in the morning to a shriveled, spent flower. It would appear as if the flower bud had died when, in fact, the bud had actually bloomed and expired through the course of the night. If that’s not the case, loss of flower buds is usually associated with inadequate light or humidity, or a dramatic drop in temperature. Be sure that your plant has a consistent environment that meets its optimum growth requirements.
I’ve had my plant for several years now and didn’t realize it was in the cacti family. I moved it this year where it gets more sun and it’s thrieving. How do you propagate it? And is the red “fruit” good for anything other than ornamentation?
Hi Evelyn,
Hooker’s orchid is fairly easy to propagate from cuttings. We like this video on “How to Propagate Epiphyllum” that walks you through all the steps. Click HERE to view.
The flesh of the ripe red fruit is edible – slice and scoop out the flesh, similar to a dragon fruit. Due to the small size it may be best to just enjoy the decorative effect the fruits add to your plant. Also, you would want to be very sure that the species of Epiphyllum you are growing is hookeri species which is known to be safe for consumption. Since you are interested in propagation, you might want to experiment with starting new plants from the seeds.
I have grown this variety for 15 years and have never had a red fruit on it? Can you explain what they look like and where they form, please.
Hi Canne,
A fruit may form after flowering and it would emerge directly from the edge of the flat stems. We found information on the Botany Brisbane website that takes a comprehensive look at all the Epiphyllum hookeri plant parts. Click HERE to have a look, we think you will find it interesting.