Epiphytic Cacti: General Care

What is a Cactus?

(Note: this guide is specifically for epiphyte cacti/hanging cacti. For terrestrial cacti see: “Cactus: General Care”)

Cactus (cactuses or cacti), are flowering succulent plants from the family Cactaceae. They are known first and foremost for their large fleshy stems, and spiky defences, while being known as a reliable and hardy houseplant, especially good for beginners! The epiphyte members of this family are usually from more humid environments, and grow upon other plants (phorophytes) or natural structures in the temperate rainforests of the Americas. 

Care: 

Cacti are famously easy to care for, but this does not mean that they require no care at all. There are one or two things to keep in mind when caring for your new friend!

Watering: Unlike their terrestrial cousins, epiphytic cacti require a little more water. Still less than you would give a plant with heavy foliage, but more than you would give a desert plant. Ideally, a small amount of water, then allow the mixture to dry out before watering again. 

Potting: For epiphytic cacti, a chunky mix with a small amount of water retention is good. A coir mix with perlite and bark inclusions is a great way to ensure water is regulated, and that most water flows through. However, if desired, more elements can be added to loosen up the medium and allow airflow to the root system; gravel, LECA and pumice. If your conditions allow for a more traditional epiphytic substrate, add sphagnum moss and horticultural charcoal to your usual chunky potting mix. 

Light: Cacti are very light tolerant, although focused light from windows can scorch them, so be careful and check the temperature of your sunny spots. Epiphytic cacti are a little less light tolerant than their desert cousins, and should be under areas that are slightly more shaded. This also stops them from drying out. 

Feeding: Cacti benefit from being fed during the summer, and due to the little water it receives it can benefit from being fed for every watering in the summer months. In the winter, completely remove fertiliser from your routine. Cacti like to go dormant during the darker months of the year, and adding it to the soil may increase the chance of growing nasties like mould, bugs and algae! 

Pests: While resistant to the fast spreaders like aphids and thrips, cacti are a juicy treat for insects like mealybugs and scale. Keep your eyes out for white or brown waxy coatings on the body of your cacti, and if the worst is feared, treat accordingly. We have a guide to tacking mealybugs on our blog.

Things to look out for in Epiphytic Cacti:

Etiolation: When your cactus hasn’t got enough light, it will attempt to grow in a way that compensates for this. The plant will push out thin, leggy growth in the direction of their brightest light source, in an attempt to conserve energy while reaching for a spot to access more light. In these cases, your new growth will be thin and leggy when compared to the rest of the plant.

Crown rot: With all hanging plants, if the crown (the place where the plant meets the roots) is not given sufficient light, various problems can arise in the soil. This is especially true if the soil is too wet. These problems are usually fungi that can rot the crown, severing the plant’s connection to its root system. To ensure this doesn’t happen, try to allow light to hit the crown of the plant, and avoid overwatering!

Epiphytic Cacti to check out:

Lepismium bolivianum

Disocactus anguliger

Rhipsalis baccifera

Hatiora salicornioides

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Schlumbergera truncata

Selenicereus chrysocardium