Epiphyllum guatemalense var. monstrosa 'Monstrosa' (Orchid Cactus)

Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

Botanical name: Epiphyllum guatemalense var. monstrosa

Common name: Orchid Cactus

Family: Cactaceae

Origin: Guatemala

USDA Zone: 9-11?

This small shrub, growing only 2-5 ft, does best in semi-shade and requires regular water. Moderate water from spring to autumn, being careful to avoid over-watering during the winter months. This cuckoo cactus will put out off-white, showy flowers and add colorful, ornamental foliage all year long.Grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa Orchid Cactus is a great choice for adding horizontal interest to baskets and trellis, and even as a novelty plant in any garden or patio. However, if in colder regions and preferring to grow in a pot, precautions must be taken, such as bringing the pot indoors or insulating it in a shed or greenhouse. Growers must also take care with overwintering and observe the minimum cold hardiness to have successful blooms. When these criteria are met, Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa will be a unique addition to any garden, patio, basket or wall.

Similar plants: Epiphyllum guatemalense var. monstrosa 'Monstrosa' (Orchid Cactus)

Image gallery: 17 images

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/epiphyllum_guatemalense.htm

6683 Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa - Orchid Cactus, Curly Locks

This crazy little cactus makes a wonderful hanging basket specimen and quite the conversation piece with its twisted, arching limbs. A night bloom epiphytic cactus with curly twisting leaves, Epiphyllum curly locks is an example of a cactus that uses its stems to capture more moisture and light. The plant has curly, curved stems which are the result of a mutation of a plant called Epiphyllum guatemalense. The name for this mutated cactus is Epiphyllum monstrosa - a jungle cactus native to Guatemala and will attach itself to a tree and live off of the composting debris that collects in the crook of the tree. Commonly called Orchid Cactus due to the blooms resembling orchid blossoms. The flowers are fragrant and usually open at night. Oval, bright pink seedy fruits form once blooms are pollinated. These fruits are juicy and edible. The plant is also self-pollinating and fruits can form even without the intervention of insects and mammals.
Epiphyllum are sensitive to being moved so choosing spot in bright, indirect light would work best. Epiphyllum will also only bloom when root bound, so take this into consideration when repotting.

See Planting Guide & Care Tips

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster

Buy together promotion:

6512 SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Booster, 1 qt, fertilizer... more

32 oz (1 qt, 946 ml)

$19.95

Sale $14.95

6395 SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Booster, 16 oz, fertilizer... more

500 ml (16 oz)

$14.95

Sale $9.00