Epiphyllum anguliger - Epiphyllum

Synonyms: Disocactus anguliger

Family: Cactaceae

Pot diameter: 5.5 cm

Its name comes from Greek and literally means "above the leaf," referring to the origin of the flowers, which bloom directly on the "pseudoleaves." Although it has no thorns, it is a cactus-like plant and is considered an epiphytic plant, meaning it grows by attaching to other plants, using them only for support. It is capable of absorbing the nutrients it needs from the moisture in the air, through appropriate aerial roots. Some species grow attached to the ground, but their roots are too small to meet their moisture needs, which is why they also use aerial roots. This genus has waxy stems, long and flat (which give it the nickname "mother-in-law's tongue") with marginal notches: they look like real leaves, but in fact, they are branches from which the night-blooming flowers emerge - yet another value of this impressive plant. The blooms are very large and spectacular (they can reach up to 20 cm in diameter!), with limitless staging beauty: these wonderful flowers, along with the long thornless stems and their climbing habit, make this cactus highly valued and often used to decorate any interior space!

Care: Requires a lot of light throughout the year; however, avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. It is preferable to maintain it in mild temperatures and never below 10 °C, so it is recommended to protect it during the winter. Watering should be moderate, only when the soil is completely dry. It is sufficient to water once a week in spring and summer, reduce watering to once every two months in autumn, and stop it completely in winter. The ideal soil is extremely well-draining and porous, for example, a mixture of peat and perlite, so that water does not stagnate. Frequent fertilization is not needed; it is enough to dilute the fertilizer with the watering once a year.