Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Haw.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1812
Citation Micro:
Syn. Pl. Succ.: 197. 1812.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000670206
Common Names
- Phyllanthus Epiphyllum
- Phyllanthus Orchid Cactus
- Phyllanthus Leaf Cactus
Synonyms
- Cactus phyllanthus L. [unknown]
- Cereus phyllanthus (L.) DC. [unknown]
- Epiphyllum phyllanthus phyllanthus [unknown]
- Opuntia phyllanthus (L.) Mill. [unknown]
- Phyllocactus phyllanthus (L.) Link [unknown]
- Rhipsalis phyllanthus (L.) K.Schum. [unknown]
- Phyllocactus speciosus Kostel. [illegitimate]
Description
Epiphyllum phyllanthus (also called Night Blooming Cereus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It has long, slender stems with small, oval-shaped leaves. It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants and trees in its native habitat.
Uses & Benefits
Epiphyllum phyllanthus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as skin diseases.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Epiphyllum phyllanthus sub. rubrocoronatum (Kimnach) Ralf Bauer
Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. plattsii Proctor
Epiphyllum phyllanthus sub. phyllanthus
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Epiphyllum phyllanthus has small, white flowers with four petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Epiphyllum phyllanthus is a tropical cactus that can be grown in a container or in the ground. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. Propagation is done by stem cuttings or division of the plant.
Where to Find Epiphyllum phyllanthus
Epiphyllum phyllanthus is native to Mexico and is found in tropical forests.
Epiphyllum phyllanthus FAQ
What is the ideal temperature for Epiphyllum phyllanthus?
Epiphyllum phyllanthus prefers temperatures between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much light does Epiphyllum phyllanthus need?
Epiphyllum phyllanthus needs bright, indirect light.
How often should I water Epiphyllum phyllanthus?
Epiphyllum phyllanthus should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
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,