Lepismium bolivianum (syn. Pfeiffera boliviana) is part of the Cactaceae family and is native to the tropical forests of Bolivia (La Paz). Growth habit is epiphytic or lithophytic, stems are green, segmented and flat with irregular crenations. In their native environment stems can grow up to a metre in length and will produce small white, bell-shaped flowers on the areoles.
Lepismium bolivianum - Genus name comes from the Greek ‘lepis’, meaning ‘a scale’, and refers to the small scales set beneath the areole. Specific epithet refers to where the plant is found.
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: With adequate light and a well draining potting mix, allow the top two inches to dry out before watering.
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: 18-24˚C.
Humidity: Lepismium bolivianum would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Lepismium bolivianum is non toxic.