Orchid cactus Epiphyllum 'Dante'
ABOUT
The Epiphyllum 'Dante', commonly known as the Orchid Cactus, features a distinctive appearance characterized by its broad, flat, and leaf-like stem segments. These stem segments, often mistaken for leaves, are green and can vary in color intensity, with some being a lighter green while others are darker. The plant's structure is sprawling with stems that drape and hang over the pot or basket in which it is usually grown. This growth habit makes it an ideal candidate for hanging displays. The Orchid Cactus is also celebrated for its magnificent and exotic-looking flowers. These blooms are large, showy, and typically have a funnel shape, often creating a striking visual contrast against the green of the stems. The petals of 'Dante' are typically red or deep pink, and they boast a satiny sheen that catches the light, adding to their allure. Flowers are often nocturnal, opening at night and staying open for a few days, exuding a pleasant, sometimes subtle fragrance designed to attract nocturnal pollinators. In terms of flowering season, the Orchid Cactus tends to bloom in the late spring or early summer, though this can vary depending on growing conditions. When not in bloom, the plant's stems still offer an attractive, cascading greenery, making it a popular ornamental houseplant. Its appeal is enhanced by its relatively low maintenance needs and its tolerance for a range of indoor environments, which contributes to its popularity among plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cactaceae.
Synonyms
Orchid Cactus, Night Blooming Cereus, Dutchman's Pipe Cactus.
Common names
Epiphyllum 'Dante'.
ToxicityTo humans
Epiphyllum 'Dante', also known as orchid cactus, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health effects.
To pets
Orchid cactus is also not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or severe health consequences for animals. However, it's generally recommended to keep plants away from pets to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Cactus
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Central America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Epiphyllum 'Dante', commonly known as Orchid Cactus, has stunning, large, and colorful flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any space.
- Low Maintenance: Orchid Cacti are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and care, making them suitable for busy gardeners.
- Indoor and Outdoor Versatility: This plant can thrive both indoors as a houseplant and outdoors in suitable climates, offering flexibility in placement and use.
- Drought Tolerance: Orchid Cacti are drought-tolerant, which makes them ideal for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Pest Resistance: They generally have good resistance to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming Period: The Orchid Cactus can bloom for several weeks, providing a long period of enjoyment from its flowers.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to various lighting conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light.
- Propagation Ease: They can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to share and expand their collection without much effort.
- Nocturnal Blooms: Some varieties of Orchid Cacti have blooms that open at night, adding an interesting dynamic to the garden or home.
- Non-Toxic: Orchid Cacti are non-toxic to pets and humans, making them a safe choice for households with animals and children.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: Epi-Dante with its striking blooms makes for an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in botanical imagery.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the vibrant blooms and unique structure of Epi-Dante as a muse for paintings, illustrations, and fashion designs.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners may use Epi-Dante to balance chi and bring positive energy into a home or garden, particularly in areas related to personal growth and creativity.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators can use Epi-Dante as a live example to teach about epiphytic plants and their unique adaptations to students and plant enthusiasts.
- Biodiversity Support: When planted outdoors in a suitable climate, Epi-Dante can provide habitat and nectar for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
- Culinary Presentation: While not edible, the flowers of Epi-Dante can be used as a stunning garnish for gourmet dishes during their bloom season.
- Event Theming: Epi-Dante's exotic appearance can contribute to the theme of special events, such as tropical or jungle-themed parties, providing a lush backdrop or centerpiece.
- Living Jewelry: Small cuttings or flowers from Epi-Dante can be incorporated into wearable plant jewelry, like living necklaces or corsages.
- Psychological Well-being: Caring for an Epi-Dante can be a soothing hobby, offering psychological benefits such as reduced stress and increased feelings of accomplishment.
- Creative Writing Prompt: The unique appearance of Epi-Dante can serve as a creative writing prompt for stories or poems, sparking imagination with its otherworldly form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Orchid Cactus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Orchid Cactus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Beauty: The Epiphyllum 'Dante', commonly known as 'Orchid Cactus', often symbolizes mystery due to its unique growing environments and the stunning beauty of its flowers.
- Exotic Appeal: As an epiphytic plant often found in tropical forests, the Orchid Cactus represents exoticism and the allure of the tropics.
- Resilience and Adaptability: It grows on other plants without harming them, symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in diverse conditions.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: Its unique appearance and less common occurrence make it a symbol of rarity and the preciousness of unique traits.
- Night Blooming: Many species of the Orchid Cactus bloom at night, making them symbols of nocturnal beauty and the intrigue of the unseen.
WaterFor the Orchid Cactus, water thoroughly, allowing the potting mix to become slightly dry between waterings. Typically, this means watering about once a week, but adjust based on temperature, light, and humidity. During active growth in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently. Provide enough water until it runs from the drainage holes—use about 1 quart for a medium-sized plant. During the winter rest period, reduce watering to every other week, ensuring the plant does not sit in water.
LightThe Orchid Cactus performs best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a location where it can receive this light, such as near an east or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing it in a spot where the sun's rays can hit it directly for prolonged periods.
TemperatureThe Orchid Cactus prefers temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a brief period of colder temperatures down to about 35°F, but frost can be detrimental to the plant. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and flowering. Keep the plant away from drafts and extremes of heat or cold.
PruningThe Orchid Cactus should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged growth and to maintain shape. It's best to prune after flowering, usually in the late summer or fall. Occasional pruning also encourages the plant to produce more side shoots, which can lead to more flowers. Pruning every year or two is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEpiphyllum 'Dante', commonly known as Orchid Cactus, thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of 50% potting soil and 50% perlite or pumice to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. A bit of peat or compost can be added for organic content. The ideal soil pH for Orchid Cactus is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingOrchid Cactus typically needs to be repotted every 2 to 4 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is emerging from dormancy and beginning its active growth period.
Humidity & MistingThe ideal humidity level for Orchid Cactus is between 50% and 70%. They appreciate a humid environment which can be achieved by placing a humidity tray beneath the plant or using a room humidifier, especially if the air in your home is dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Shelter from direct sun; hang in dappled light, warm climates.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Epiphyllum 'Dante', also known as the Orchid Cactus, begins with germination from seed, though commercially it is more often propagated through cuttings, which root and grow more quickly. Young stems emerge, mature, and become elongated, flat, and leaf-like, serving as photosynthetic organs since this epiphyte lacks true leaves. Over time, the plant develops a branching structure and can reach considerable size, often cascading or hanging in its natural or domestic environment. The Orchid Cactus typically blooms annually, producing large, showy flowers at night, which are often fragrant and last for several days before wilting. After pollination, fruit may develop, containing seeds that, if conditions allow, will complete the cycle by germinating into new plants. As a perennial, the individual plant can live and flower for many years, experiencing cycles of growth and bloom.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating an Epiphyllum 'Dante', commonly known as orchid cactus, is by stem cuttings. This is typically done during the late spring or early summer. To do this, a healthy stem segment is cut, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and the cut end is allowed to dry and callous over for a few days. After the cut end has calloused, the cutting can be placed in a well-draining potting mix, inserting about an inch (2.5 centimeters) into the soil. The cutting should be kept in a brightly lit area with indirect light and watered sparingly until it establishes roots, which generally takes a few weeks.
