This tropical cactus really stands out with its curly, bright green stems! Like most cacti, it likes its soil to dry out between waters, but it likes much higher humidity than its desert cousins since it is adapted to a rainforest climate, so make sure it's nowhere near a radiator! These plants can also flower once they reach maturity, so keep an eye out for buds. Flowering will be more likely if you give it a proper dormancy period in winter (letting it rest so it isn't growing the same rate all the time)- and, of course, if you look after it throughout the year too!
Scientific Name
Epiphyllum guatemalense monstruosa (on-the-leaf, Guatamalan plant, huge)
Common Name
Curly Locks Cactus, Orchid Cactus, Jungle Cactus
Origin
Native to Guatemala
Light
This plant likes plenty of bright, indirect light. More than two hours of direct sun will be too much; as a tropical cactus, this is more susceptible to burns than its desert cousins!
Water
Allow the top half of the soil to totally dry out before watering again; the pot should feel light and the top of the soil properly dry when it's time to water. Reduce watering further in autumn and winter.
Humidity
This plant is used to humid rainforest environments, so will benefit from misting or, even better, the introduction of a humidity tray.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil; one designed for cacti will work well. Repot every few years when necessary; if the plant is slightly pot-bound it will be more likely to flower.
Food
Feed every four waters in spring and summer; reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Feed specifically designed for cacti will give it the best balance of nutrients.
Temperature
This plant likes temperatures of 18-26°C; to make it more likely to flower, winter temperatures should be 5°C lower than the ambient day/summer temperature.
Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips
Once mature, Orchid Cacti can flower! To make flowering more likely, make sure your plant gets a proper dormancy period in autumn and winter, with less water, feeding and light, and especially lower temperatures. Temperatures around 13-16°C or 5°C cooler than the summertime temperature will suffice.
