AdewebsI still remember the first time an epiphyllum bloomed in my greenhouse. I had been tending that plant for months, maybe longer, without so much as a bud. Then one evening after a long day in the field, I walked past it and saw a huge creamy flower unfurling like a secret. It felt like catching the sunrise in the middle of the night. These plants have a way of surprising you, rewarding your patience with drama and color.
For years I treated epiphyllums like just another cactus family member, thinking they needed harsh sun and little water. I was wrong. They’re more like rainforest guests than desert dwellers, clinging to trees in their native habitats and soaking up filtered light. Once I adjusted my care—moisture, shade, soil mix—they started blooming like fireworks. It’s not just about having a plant. It’s about understanding its rhythm.
Over time I’ve come to know dozens of types. Some produce flowers like dinner plates, others like delicate trumpets. A few are famous, like the epiphyllum ric rac cactus with its zigzag stems, but many are still under the radar. This guide walks you through 25 of the most fabulous types, plus tips on caring for them. Whether you’re already hooked or just curious, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of what’s possible.
1. Epiphyllum Ric Rac Cactus
This one deserves top billing. With its wavy, zigzag stems, the epiphyllum ric rac cactus is a showstopper even without flowers. Give it bright but indirect light and a loose, barky mix. When it blooms, the creamy white flowers with long petals look like they’ve been cut from silk.
2. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Queen of the Night)
Known for its huge, fragrant blooms that open at night. I once stayed up until 2 a.m. just to watch it happen—worth every yawn the next morning. Keep soil lightly moist and don’t skimp on humidity.
3. Epiphyllum Ackermannii
Bright red flowers that seem to glow under low light. This variety likes a bit more sun than others. I use it near a greenhouse window where it gets filtered afternoon rays.
4. Epiphyllum Anguliger
Sometimes confused with the ric rac cactus because of its zigzag stems. It’s smaller, with fragrant nocturnal flowers. Tuck it in a hanging basket to show off the stems.
5. Epiphyllum Phyllanthus
Large, creamy flowers with a sweet scent. Perfect for shaded patios or bright bathrooms. Use a peat-free mix with perlite to keep roots airy.
6. Epiphyllum Guatemalense Monstrose
A quirky one with curled, twisted stems that look like green ribbon. Its small flowers are pale but charming. Kids always point at it in my greenhouse.
7. Epiphyllum Chrysocardium
Broad, flat stems and gold-tinged flowers. This one likes more warmth than some. I feed it lightly with a balanced fertilizer every spring.
8. Epiphyllum Pumilum
Small but mighty. Produces delicate pink flowers on shorter stems. Good for limited space.
9. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘King Midas’
Massive orange blooms that last a few days. When mine flowered for the first time, a neighbor thought I’d planted marigolds in a basket.
10. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Jennifer Ann’
Soft lavender blooms with a citrusy scent. Ideal for bright rooms with sheer curtains.
11. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Showboat’
As bold as its name—red petals with magenta tips. Needs staking or a sturdy hanging pot to support the stems.
12. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Frida Kahlo’
Deep pink petals fading to white centers. When you catch them in the right light they look hand-painted.
13. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Midnight Valentine’
Large dark red blooms with a spicy fragrance. Perfect for evening gardens.
14. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Golden Glow’
Bright yellow flowers rare among epiphyllums. Needs slightly warmer conditions to bloom well.
15. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Eden Star’
White star-shaped blooms with pink highlights. Looks fantastic against dark green stems.
16. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Cinderella’
Soft pink petals that open wide. I once gave a cutting to a friend for her wedding—she still calls it her “lucky plant.”
17. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Purple Pride’
Rich purple petals that almost look velvet. Loves humidity.
18. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Sunburst’
Orange and yellow bi-color blooms. Great for brightening a dull corner.
19. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘White Wedding’
Pure white blooms with a faint almond scent. Classy and understated.
20. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Tropical Sunset’
Pink and orange gradient flowers. Likes morning sun and afternoon shade.
21. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Fire Dragon’
Fiery red petals with gold throats. This one always draws comments when visitors see it.
22. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Magenta Magic’
Magenta blooms with a slight metallic sheen. Easy starter plant for beginners.
23. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Coral Charm’
Soft coral flowers that blend with any décor. Keep soil airy to avoid rot.
24. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Moonlight Sonate’
Creamy petals that glow under moonlight. When mine first bloomed, I stood outside with a flashlight just staring.
25. Epiphyllum Hybrid ‘Scarlet Show’
Bright scarlet blooms that open wide like trumpets. Needs a little extra feeding in spring to perform its best.
General Care Tips for Epiphyllums
Light: Bright but indirect. Think forest canopy, not desert.
Soil: Loose, well-draining, slightly acidic. A mix of orchid bark, peat-free compost, and perlite works well.
Water: Keep evenly moist during growth. Let it dry slightly between waterings in winter.
Feeding: Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Cut back in autumn.
Pruning: Remove dead stems after flowering. Don’t be shy—new growth will come.
A Relatable Scenario
Last spring I had a hanging basket full of epiphyllum hybrids. They were healthy but hadn’t bloomed in a year. I moved them under a big old fig tree for filtered sun, started feeding lightly every two weeks, and resisted the urge to overwater. By midsummer I had a cascade of flowers—reds, yellows, purples—all at once. Neighbors stopped by to take photos. That moment reminded me why I love these plants. Sometimes a small change in care brings an avalanche of beauty.
FAQs
Do epiphyllums need direct sun?
No. They thrive in bright but indirect light. Direct midday sun can burn stems.
Can I grow them in regular potting soil?
They prefer a loose, barky mix. Regular potting soil holds too much water and can cause root problems.
How do I get them to bloom?
Give them a cool, slightly drier rest in winter, then increase water and feeding in spring. Bright light is key.
Are they the same as orchid cacti?
Yes, “orchid cactus” is a common name for epiphyllums.
How often should I repot?
Every 3–4 years or when the pot is crowded. Use a slightly bigger pot each time.
How-To: Propagating Epiphyllums
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Cut a healthy stem segment with at least 3–4 areoles.
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Let it callus for a few days in a dry spot.
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Plant it in a loose, slightly moist mix.
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Keep in bright shade and wait. Roots form within weeks.
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Water sparingly until new growth appears.
Final Words
Epiphyllums are more than just plants—they’re little surprises waiting to happen. From the zigzag stems of the epiphyllum ric rac cactus to the midnight blooms of the queen of the night, they bring drama, scent, and color like few other houseplants can. Treat them kindly, give them the right mix of light, soil, and patience, and they’ll repay you tenfold.
I hope this tour of 25 fabulous types gave you ideas and maybe a few must-haves for your collection. Which of these epiphyllums would you most like to see blooming in your own home?
