Epiphyllum

Family Cactaceae. Epiphyllum has flat stems with toothed edges that resemble leaves. Therefore it was formerly often called a leaf cactus, or phyllocactus. This also explains the modern scientific name of the cactus: in Greek "epi" - "on", "phillon" - "leaf".

In some species, deeply notched margins of the stems further increase their resemblance to the leaves of ordinary plants. In fact they also have leaves, represented by small scales that grow beneath the areoles. The areoles are without spines, located in the indentations along the edge of the leaf-like stem. The main attraction of Epiphyllum is its flowers. In indoor cultivation, hybrids of Epiphyllum with other epiphytic cacti are grown, differing in color, form and structure of the flowers. All of them are ornamental and hardy. In the botanical species the flowers are nocturnal; in hybrid varieties they open not only at night but also during the day and may be various colors and shades: from white and yellow to deep red. Blooming times of hybrids depend on the cultivar. At present there are hybrid Epiphyllums with ribbed and flat shoots, with prominent or barely noticeable areoles, with night-blooming or day-blooming flowers.

Cultivar Гермосиссимус has powerful ribbed shoots. The edges of the ribs are divided by pronounced areoles into tubercles. This cultivar differs from others by winter flowering. The tubular crimson flowers open widely, displaying a cluster of golden stamens.

Cultivar Поль де Лонпре, with flat but fleshy, wavy-edged, long shoots of gray-green color, is grown as a trailing (ampelous) plant. It is known for its large cream-colored flowers up to 14 cm in diameter, which have red marginal petals.

Each flower can remain on the plant for up to 5 days. It is very important not to move or turn the plant after buds appear; do not transfer it from a cool, dry room to a room with higher humidity and temperature — the buds will drop or become deformed.

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