Genus Epiphyllum: Orchid Cacti

[Mercedes Benzene]

Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytic succulents native to Mexico/Central America. They are known for their broad, flat leaves and their large flowers, which often bloom for only one day.
Many people collect them, trading with other collectors and breeding hybrids (of which there are approximately 20,000 registered).

So, here's the thread to discuss them. Need information? Looking to grow some? Are you already an avid collector?

I just bought my first, after being introduced to them on an Epiphyllum forum. It's an Oxypetalum, which is known for it's large, fragrant, white flowers which bloom for only one night. I'm already addicted!

[belovelife]

wow, i want one of these flowers
i wonder if there is any shamanistic data on this plant
let me look

[belovelife]

I looked around, and the only data is from shamanistic values from China to the Americas. Outdated and not researched well. I bet if we had more acces to the chinese medicinal database we would have a better picture on the propeties involved with this plant.

[Galapagos]

Is E. oxypetalum viviparous? Some of the Epiphyllum species are, and they produce quite beautiful fruits that burst with germinating seedlings. There are some good pics of the viviparous fruits/offspring in this paper:

viviparity in E. phyllanthus

The above article may be interesting to anyone interested in the ecology/evolution of viviparous plants/cacti in general:

Vivipary and offspring survival in the epiphytic cactus Epiphyllum phyllanthus (Cactaceae) -- Cota-Sánchez and Abreu, 10.1093/jxb/erm232 -- Journal of Experimental Botany
Our data suggest that vivipary is an intrinsic reproductive mechanism favouring the germination and dispersal of the fittest offspring regardless of substrate and environmental conditions. Even with the expensive metabolic costs involved in viviparous reproduction, the proportion of the fittest individuals able to establish successfully during the early stages, though relatively low, is equivalent in the two lots under natural conditions. Therefore, germination is not a limiting factor in the perpetuation of viviparous species, but seedling establishment is. In viviparous individuals of E. phyllanthus seedling mortality during the acclimation and establishment phases rather than failure to germinate within the fruit appears to be one of the limiting factors affecting local population density.

In conclusion, the incidence of vivipary in phylogenetically distinct lineages of the cactus family is evidence of a parallel directional change towards a more practical reproductive mechanism. In other words, it is a reproductive advantage that, in addition to allowing propagules to root and grow almost immediately, favours quick establishment whenever seedlings land on suitable substrates.

[Mercedes Benzene]

Originally Posted by Galapagos

Is E. oxypetalum viviparous? Some of the Epiphyllum species are, and they produce quite beautiful fruits that burst with germinating seedlings. There are some good pics of the viviparous fruits/offspring in this paper:

viviparity in E. phyllanthus

The above article may be interesting to anyone interested in the ecology/evolution of viviparous plants/cacti in general:

That is absolutely fantastic information Galapagos! Thanks for sharing!
Oxypetalum is not viviparous, and furthermore requires fertilization from another Oxy plant (many Epies are able to self-fertilize).
It makes me want to get my hands on a viviparous specimen. It would certainly make germination easier. From planted seeds, it can take many months for seedlings to grow to the size shown in your pictures above.

[belovelife]

interesting
besides having a pretty flower and being edible
i wonder the other properties
i read about 75%
it was definately cool
but it all had to do with growth
in wikipedia, it was said to be a fruit
neither of these articles discussed the nutients in them

although a viviparious plant is cool
(especially in low rain areas)
i did not know that word, although vivi->life
i assumed it meant growing while on the plant

once again thank you for the read

[Moontanman]

I used to keep some of those cacti, they had huge blooms and a fruit called a dragon fruit. They were air plants, epiphytes, no soil needed.

[Mercedes Benzene]

Originally Posted by Moontanman

I used to keep some of those cacti, they had huge blooms and a fruit called a dragon fruit. They were air plants, epiphytes, no soil needed.

Dragon fruit plant actually make up another genus: Hylocereus.
They are no doubt related and their leaves are very similar, but different indeed. Epiphyllum fruit are edible though, and from what I hear very tasty.

[Mercedes Benzene]

I have a few more cuttings coming on Wednesday. This variety will be Epiphyllum Crenatum.
Let's hope they survive the cold trip from California though

[Mercedes Benzene]

Okay! A wonderful woman from LA sent me some cuttings, which arrived today! :]
The first image shows the cuttings, four of one variety, and a rooted cutting of another (which she included as a surprise!).

I planted these the second I received them and the second, third and fourth pictures show the final results. The species with 4 cuttings is Epiphyllum Crenatum. By potting them together you get a more hearty specimen with stronger root growth, and hopefully, an earlier bloom.
The rooted cutting is a hybrid: E. "Climax"
I'm working on figuring out what the parent species are.

The final picture is of all of my pots together, including my original which I have named Heathcliff.