Fernleaf Cactus - Epiphyllum chrysocardium

Scientific Name
Epiphyllum chrysocardium (on-the-leaf plant with golden hearts)

Common Name
Fern Leaf Cactus, Golden Heart Epiphyllum, Shark Tooth Cactus, Shark Fin Cactus, Fern Leaf Orchid Cactus

Origin
Native to Mexican jungles

Description
This lush green cactus will provide an explosion of bright foliage to your home. The shape of its leaves is much more like a fern than like its fellow cacti, giving it the common name 'Fernleaf'. Adapted to the tropical jungle, this cactus is used to higher humidity than its desert cousins; give it a spot with bright indirect light and above-average humidity and it will reward you with its flourishing, bright green foliage. Once it reaches maturity, and as long as the plant is slightly root-buond, your cactus may also flower, giving you large white or golder blooms!

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, your Fernleaf Cactus can flower! To make flowering more likely, make sure you 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.