Epiphyllum pumilum native range is South Mexico to Honduras, it is part of the Cactaceae family. This epiphyte is sometimes called ‘Orchid cactus’ due to the incredibly large and fragrant blooms it can produce (summer to autumn). Stems are smooth and self-branching and flowers bend upwards as they open. Epiphyllum pumilum grow on host trees, settling their roots into spaces on branches, their tropical environment provides them with lots of warmth and high humidity and most importantly, shading from full sun.
Genus' name comes from the Greek ‘epi’ meaning ‘upon’ and ‘phyllo’ meaning ‘leaf’; it was thought that the flowers emerged from a leaf but those leaves are stems.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. In its natural environment this plant would receive dappled light.
Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix.
Fertilising: Feed your plant with a cactus fertiliser every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 18-26°C, no lower than 12°C.
Humidity: Epiphyllum would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity.
Epiphyllum pumilum are non-toxic.