Selenicereus chrysocardium (Marniera)
Selenicereus chrysocardium (Marniera) hanging plant with long green succulent foliage draped in a basket
Botanical names: Selenicereus chrysocardium, Epiphyllum chrysocardium, Marniera chrysocardium
Common names: Marniera, Fern Leaf
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Mexico
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
USDA Zone: 10-11
Plant form: Small
Mature height: 2-5 ft
Sun exposure: Semi-shade
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular; epiphyte. Needs light, frequent misting or soaking to stay hydrated.
Flower color: White and off-white
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirdsVery interesting plant. It is in the epiphyllum group and is easy to propagate and grow. It has angled stems, producing aerial roots, and white, beautiful flowers but is great to have just for its striking leaves. Flowers are large and nocturnal, pollinated by moths or rarely bats. The receptacle bears small bracts, hairs and usually spines. Fruits bear numerous spines. Flowers are generally produced in abundance with mature plants and are white and are very fragrant and usually last a single night.
Epiphytic in wet forests, keep the soil moist and well drained.
Similar plants: Selenicereus chrysocardium (Marniera)
- Selenicereus anthonyanus Cryptocereus anthonyanus (Anthonys Rick-Rack)
- Selenicereus grandiflorus (Queen of the Night)
- Selenicereus hondurensis (Honduran Moon-Torch Cactus)
- Selenicereus macdonaldiae (Queen of the Night)
- Selenicereus megalanthus (Pitaya)
- Selenicereus pteranthus (Princess of the Night)
- Selenicereus setaceus (Pineapple Cactus)
- Selenicereus sp. (Moonlight Cactus)
- Selenicereus wercklei (Queen of the Night)
- Strophocactus wittii (Amazon Moonflower)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/selenicereus_chrysocardium.htm
Epiphyllum (Selenicereus) chrysocardium (Marniera, or Fern Leaf) is a very interesting plant. It is one of those plants that looks exotic even when it is not blooming. Its long, deeply cut, glossy green stems cascade like giant fern fronds, making a spectacular hanging basket or mounted specimen. Despite its unusual appearance, it is surprisingly easy to grow and propagate, developing aerial roots and quickly becoming a lush, dramatic plant.
And then come the flowers! Mature plants can produce enormous, fragrant white blooms with long, delicate outer petals, opening at night and lasting only until the next day. The flowers alone are worth waiting for - but with foliage this striking, you really don't have to. A fantastic collector's epiphytic cactus that makes a statement year-round.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
And then come the flowers! Mature plants can produce enormous, fragrant white blooms with long, delicate outer petals, opening at night and lasting only until the next day. The flowers alone are worth waiting for - but with foliage this striking, you really don't have to. A fantastic collector's epiphytic cactus that makes a statement year-round.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot