Status:
valid
Authors:
(F.A.C.Weber) Britton & Rose
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1913
Citation Micro:
in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 16: 256. 1913.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000670157
Common Names
- Cartagena Orchid Cactus
- Cartagena Epiphyllum
- Cartagena Leaf Cactus
Synonyms
- Phyllocactus cartagensis F.A.C.Weber [unknown]
- Phyllocactus cartagensis refracta F.A.C.Weber [unknown]
- Phyllocactus cartagensis robustus F.A.C.Weber [unknown]
Description
Epiphyllum cartagense (also called Orchid Cactus, among many other common names) is a cactus with flat stems and white flowers. It is native to Mexico and is typically found in dry, open areas.
Uses & Benefits
Epiphyllum cartagense is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, osteoporosis, and impotence.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Epiphyllum cartagense has small, white flowers with four petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Epiphyllum cartagense is a hardy, evergreen cactus that is easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Propagation is by seed sown in spring or by cuttings taken in spring or summer.
Where to Find Epiphyllum cartagense
Epiphyllum cartagense is native to Mexico and Central America.
Epiphyllum cartagense FAQ
What is the ideal temperature for Epiphyllum cartagense?
Epiphyllum cartagense prefers temperatures between 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of soil is best for Epiphyllum cartagense?
Epiphyllum cartagense prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
How often should I water Epiphyllum cartagense?
Epiphyllum cartagense should be watered once a week, or when the soil is dry.
Species in the Epiphyllum genus
Epiphyllum baueri,
Epiphyllum cartagense,
Epiphyllum chrysocardium,
Epiphyllum cruentum,
Epiphyllum floribundum,
Epiphyllum grandilobum,
Epiphyllum hookeri,
Epiphyllum jenkinsonii,
Epiphyllum laui,
Epiphyllum macropterum,
Epiphyllum oxypetalum,
Epiphyllum phyllanthus,
Epiphyllum pumilum,
Epiphyllum rollissonii,
Epiphyllum splendens,
Epiphyllum splendidum,
Epiphyllum thomasianum,
Epiphyllum vandesii,
Epiphyllum floribundum,
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,