German Empress Nopalxochia phyllanthoides
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Orchid Cactus, Nopalxochia phyllanthoides is a striking and ornamental plant. This epiphytic plant boasts elongated, flat, and fleshy stems that resemble leaf-like structures. These segments are green and may have a slight blue or grey tinge. The stems are adorned with small bumps known as areoles from which spines can sometimes emerge, although they are typically absent or very few in number, making the plant more approachable than a traditional cactus. The Orchid Cactus is celebrated for its stunning flowers. Blooming primarily at night, the flowers are large, funnel-shaped, and display a radiant hue that ranges from white to shades of pink or red. The petals are numerous, slightly ruffled, and arranged in a layered pattern which adds to the intricate design of the bloom. The flowers emit a pleasing fragrance that often attracts nocturnal pollinators. In contrast to its beautiful flowers, the fruit of the Orchid Cactus is often less noticeable. It matures to hold seeds that are used for propagation. The overall appearance of the plant exudes a tropical feel and it is frequently grown indoors or in sheltered outdoor environments where it can drape or hang in an eye-catching display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cactaceae
Synonyms
German Empress, Empress of Germany, Easter Cactus
Common names
Disocactus phyllanthoides, Epiphyllum phyllanthoides, Cereus phyllanthoides, Nopalxochia ackermannii, Nopalxochia phyllanthoides var. ackermannii, Epiphyllum ackermannii, Phyllocactus ackermannii, Phyllocactus phyllanthoides, Disocactus ackermannii.
ToxicityTo humans
The Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, commonly known as the Orchid Cactus, is not considered toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity from ingesting this plant, and it is generally regarded as safe. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, and it is generally advisable not to consume plants that are not specifically intended for human consumption.
To pets
The Orchid Cactus (Nopalxochia phyllanthoides) is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There is no significant evidence suggesting that ingestion of this plant causes any poisoning or adverse health effects in pets. Nevertheless, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants as a precaution and to watch for any signs of indigestion or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Cactus
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, commonly known as the Dutchman's pipe cactus, adds aesthetic value to gardens and homes with its unique, pipe-shaped flowers and ornamental foliage.
- Drought tolerance: Being a cactus, it is highly drought tolerant, requiring minimal watering and suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: This plant generally requires minimal upkeep, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners or those new to plant care.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors, given proper care and temperature conditions.
- Pest resistance: Dutchman's pipe cactus is typically resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Long blooming period: The plant can produce flowers for a considerable length of time under the right conditions, providing visual interest over multiple seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, commonly known as the Dutchman's Pipe Cactus, can be cultivated for educational purposes to demonstrate cactus grafting techniques due to its compatibility with various cactus rootstocks.
- The plant's unique floral structure can be used in botanical studies to explore the diversity of pollination mechanisms in cactus species.
- With proper training and shaping, Dutchman's Pipe Cactus can be grown as a living sculpture for ornamental horticulture displays and competitions.
- The stems of the Dutchman's Pipe Cactus are sometimes used for creating miniature landscapes, or fairy gardens, appealing to hobbyists interested in small-scale garden design.
- This plant's relatively rapid growth compared to other cacti can be used for time-lapse photography projects to study and showcase growth patterns and flowering cycles.
- Enthusiasts of exotic plants can cultivate Dutchman's Pipe Cactus for plant swap events, promoting community engagement and botanical diversity.
- In regions where it is native, the Dutchman's Pipe Cactus can be integrated into sustainable landscape designs as a drought-resistant plant option.
- Its unique appearance makes it suitable for thematic gardens, such as desert or xeriscape designs, serving as an attractive focal point.
- Bio-artists may utilize the striking flowers of the Dutchman's Pipe Cactus as inspiration or actual components in bio-art installations and nature-based sculptures.
- The structure of the plant can inspire biomimicry design in architecture and engineering, with possible applications in constructing energy-efficient buildings that imitate its water retention properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, most commonly known as Orchid Cactus, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Orchid Cactus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: As a cactus species, Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, commonly known as the "Fishbone Cactus," represents resilience due to its ability to thrive in harsh environments and adapt to less than ideal conditions.
- Endurance: The Fishbone Cactus symbolizes endurance, reflecting its capacity for water retention and survival over long dry periods without rainfall.
- Ingenuity: It also stands for ingenuity, as the Fishbone Cactus has unique physical adaptations, such as its distinctive fishbone-shaped stems, that allow it to photosynthesize and store water efficiently.
- Uniqueness: The unusual and striking appearance of the Fishbone Cactus' stems makes it a symbol of uniqueness and individuality in the plant world.
- Beauty: With its attractive flowers that bloom under the right conditions, the Fishbone Cactus is a symbol of beauty emerging from austerity, highlighting the plant's ability to produce something lovely in the face of adversity.
WaterThe most common name for Nopalxochia phyllanthoides is the Easter cactus. When watering an Easter cactus, make sure to water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to run through the pot's drainage holes. Typically, it is best to water it every 2 to 3 weeks during the active growth period in spring and summer, but always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering. During the dormant period in the fall and winter, reduce watering to every 4 to 6 weeks. Each watering session might require around 8 to 12 ounces of water, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions.
LightEaster cactus prefers bright but indirect light. Place it in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight, such as near a south or east-facing window with a sheer curtain. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and may burn the delicate leaves, but too little light can inhibit blooming.
TemperatureThe Easter cactus thrives in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It can withstand a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should not be exposed to temperatures lower than that. During the bloom period, slightly cooler temperatures of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for flower formation.
PruningPruning an Easter cactus can encourage fuller growth and more blooms. Prune by pinching off sections at the segment joints shortly after flowering, which typically happens in spring. This not only shapes the plant but also stimulates it to branch out, leading to a more lush appearance. Pruning is recommended annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the orchid cactus (Nopalxochia phyllanthoides) should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark in equal parts works well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.
RepottingThe orchid cactus should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container. Repotting is best done in the spring, just before the active growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingThe orchid cactus thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%. It should be kept away from dry air drafts and sources of direct heat that could lower the ambient humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Provide bright, filtered light; protect from the frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, commonly known as the Orchid Cactus, starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates in well-draining, moist soil under warm conditions. It sprouts into a seedling with small stems and begins to develop its characteristic fleshy, flat, and elongated stems (cladodes) as it matures. As a young plant, it spends a growth period developing a robust root system and more of its distinctive stems. With appropriate care, including indirect sunlight and minimal water, the Orchid Cactus reaches maturity and blooms, producing strikingly beautiful, large, nocturnal flowers, typically during spring or summer. Following pollination, which is often aided by nocturnal insects like moths, the plant may produce fruits that contain seeds, thereby completing its reproductive cycle. Over time, with the right conditions, the plant can grow quite large, continuing to flower annually and potentially live for many years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, more commonly known as the Epiphyllum orchid cactus, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during the warmer growing season, from late spring to early summer. To propagate, a healthy stem segment is cut, typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, allowing it to callous for a few days in indirect light. Once the cut end has dried and hardened slightly, the cutting is planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the cut end buried just enough to support the segment upright. The soil is kept lightly moist but not wet to encourage rooting without causing rot. Roots and new growth usually appear within a few weeks, indicating successful propagation.
