Epiphyllum King Midas, known as an orchid cactus, is admired for its vibrant flowers and distinctive growth. It adds a tropical touch to indoor or protected outdoor spaces. Its remarkable blooms are a primary draw for gardeners.
Identifying King Midas
Epiphyllum King Midas has flat, succulent-like stems without true leaves. These stems are notched along their edges, creating a segmented appearance. The plant’s flowers are large and showy, with multiple petals. These blooms often feature a striking orange-red hue with a golden sheen, or multi-toned variations. Blooming occurs in spring to early summer.
Essential Care for Thriving
Light
Epiphyllum King Midas thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or a shaded south-facing window provides suitable light. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch stems and turn them yellow. Filtered light, like a sheer curtain, prevents damage and ensures adequate brightness.
Watering
Allow the top one to two inches of potting mix to dry out between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, the plant requires more frequent watering. During the cooler, dormant period in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency. Overwatering can lead to root rot; ensure adequate drainage.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential. Combine orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir. This prevents waterlogging and aerates roots. Terracotta pots are preferred for their porous nature, allowing better airflow and preventing oversaturation.
Temperature and Humidity
Average room temperatures (60-75°F / 15-24°C) are preferred. It tolerates slightly cooler dormant temperatures but needs protection from freezing. Moderate to high humidity levels are beneficial for its growth. Occasional misting or a humidifier maintains adequate moisture.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, from spring to late summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or lower nitrogen. Fertilize every two to four weeks, diluting to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. During fall and winter, fertilization should cease. This allows rest and prepares it for future blooming.
Encouraging Spectacular Blooms
Abundant flowering requires specific cultural practices. A cool, dry resting period during fall and early winter initiates blooms. Beneficial temperatures (45-55°F / 7-13°C) and reduced watering are needed. This period of dormancy mimics its natural environment, signaling the plant to prepare for flowering.
As spring approaches, gradually increase light and resume watering to encourage bud development. Bright, indirect light benefits flower production. Fertilizers with a higher phosphorus content can be introduced weeks before blooming. This provides nutrients for robust development. Epiphyllum King Midas needs to reach maturity, often several years old, before consistently producing flowers.
Propagation
Propagate using healthy, 4-6 inch stem cuttings, free of damage or disease. After cutting, allow the severed end to “callus over” for at least ten days in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent rot. Once callused, insert the cutting one inch deep into a well-draining, sterile potting mix for cacti or succulents. Maintain warmth and moderate humidity; roots should form within weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing stems indicate overwatering (root rot) or insufficient watering (dehydration). Adjusting the watering schedule to allow soil to dry adequately between waterings resolves this.
Lack of blooms points to insufficient cool, dry resting or inadequate light during the growing season. Ensuring the plant experiences cooler temperatures and reduced watering in fall and winter encourages flowering.
Pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites can affect the plant. Manage these by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or applying an insecticidal soap labeled for houseplants.