The Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’, also known as the Orchid Cactus Beavertail, is cherished for its distinctive foliage and beautiful blooms. Its common name comes from its flattened, paddle-like stems that resemble a beaver’s tail. This plant makes an ornamental addition to indoor spaces, especially as a trailing or hanging specimen.
Understanding Your Epiphyllum Beaver Tail
The Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ has slender, leathery, segmented stems with jagged edges. Despite its “cactus” designation, it is an epiphytic plant, growing on other plants or in tree hollows rather than in soil, drawing moisture from the air and decaying organic matter. This plant thrives in humid, tropical environments. When conditions are favorable, it produces large, showy, orchid-like flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow.
Caring for Epiphyllum Beaver Tail
Light
Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window provides suitable gentle sunlight. Avoid direct, harsh sun exposure, as it can scorch the plant’s stems. Consistent indirect light promotes healthy growth and encourages blooming.
Watering
During the active growing season (spring through autumn), keep the Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ consistently moist. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. In dormant winter months, significantly reduce watering, letting the soil dry more thoroughly before rewatering.
Soil
An ideal potting mix for Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ is well-draining and airy, similar to orchid or succulent mixes. This prevents waterlogging and root rot, common issues for these epiphytic plants. A mix with bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir promotes healthy root development and aeration.
Temperature and Humidity
Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ prefers average to warm temperatures, between 18-29°C (64-84°F). While it tolerates brief periods down to 10°C (50°F), consistent cooler temperatures are detrimental. The plant also appreciates moderate to high humidity; misting daily or using a pebble tray helps maintain this.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring to autumn), fertilize your Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ every four to six weeks. A balanced liquid fertilizer or one with higher phosphorus content encourages flower production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn and harm the plant.
Propagating Epiphyllum Beaver Tail
Propagating Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ is done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem segment, about four to nine inches long, from a mature plant. Use clean, sharp shears to make a precise cut. Allow the wound to “callus” (dry and harden) for 10 to 14 days in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. This prevents rot. While not strictly necessary, some growers apply rooting hormone to encourage faster root development. Once callused, plant the bottom inch into a well-draining potting mix, similar to that used for mature plants. Ensure the cutting is stable. Delay the first watering for about a week, instead misting the cutting and surrounding soil. Roots typically form within two to six weeks, with new growth signaling establishment.
Addressing Common Problems
Understanding common problems and their solutions helps maintain a healthy Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’.
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient light, improper watering, or nutrient imbalances. Ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light, consistent watering during the growing season, and a bloom-boosting fertilizer. A period of cooler temperatures and reduced winter watering can also stimulate bud formation.
Stem discoloration or softness, especially a mushy texture, usually indicates overwatering and root rot. Immediately reduce watering and ensure the soil is well-draining. If severe, remove the plant, inspect roots, trim rotted portions, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Wrinkled or shriveling stems usually signal underwatering. This can also occur if roots are damaged and unable to absorb water, even in moist soil. Gradually increase watering to rehydrate the plant, and check for root health if the problem persists.
Epiphyllum ‘Beavertail’ is susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies. Inspect your plant regularly for infestations. Treatment involves wiping pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas.