The German Empress Epiphyllum, also known as the “Orchid Cactus,” is a popular flowering cactus. It is valued for its vibrant blooms, which add tropical beauty to any setting. Its unique epiphytic growth habit, clinging to trees in its natural environment, makes it a fascinating plant to cultivate.
Understanding the German Empress Epiphyllum
The German Empress Epiphyllum is an epiphytic cactus, growing on other plants like trees rather than in the ground. In its native Central and South American rainforests, it absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air and organic debris. This plant features distinctive flattened, leaf-like stems, called cladodes, which cascade gracefully, suiting it for hanging baskets.
The flowers are striking, typically measuring around six inches across. They display salmon-pink hues, often with translucent salmon rear rows and orange inner petals, complemented by white stamens. Unlike some Epiphyllum varieties, ‘German Empress’ commonly blooms in spring, though it can produce flowers multiple times throughout the year, with individual blooms lasting a few days to a week or two.
Cultivating Your German Empress Epiphyllum
Light Requirements
German Empress Epiphyllums thrive in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window provides ample light without direct sun. While they tolerate some early morning or late afternoon sun, avoid harsh midday sunlight as it can scorch stems. Insufficient light leads to weak growth and fewer blooms.
Watering Practices
During the active growing season from mid-spring to late summer, water regularly, allowing the top third of the potting mix to dry out before rewatering. Keep the compost moist but never soggy, as overwatering quickly leads to root rot. In winter, reduce watering significantly, keeping the mix just damp but never allowing it to dry out completely.
Soil and Potting
These epiphytic cacti require a well-draining and airy potting mix. A good blend is half potting soil and half orchid bark or pumice. Alternatively, use a cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite, bark, or cocoa chips for drainage and aeration. Choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature and Humidity
German Empress Epiphyllums prefer warm conditions, with ideal temperatures from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27°C) during active growth. They are not tolerant of frost and need protection from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C). These plants appreciate higher humidity. To increase humidity, mist the foliage regularly or place the pot on a tray filled with damp gravel, ensuring the pot does not sit in standing water.
Feeding Your Plant
During the growing season from early spring through fall, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two weeks. After the plant finishes blooming in mid-summer, a 10-10-10 formula can be used monthly until dormancy in November. A low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as a 2-10-10 ratio) is beneficial in early spring to encourage bloom development.
Encouraging Abundant Blooms
To encourage abundant flowers, provide a cool, dry resting period in winter. Move the plant to a cooler location (50-60°F / 11-16°C) for several weeks. During this time, reduce watering significantly, keeping the potting mix barely moist. This cooler, drier spell signals the plant to initiate flower buds.
Once flower buds form, return the plant to its normal, warmer growing location. Provide ample bright, indirect light for bud development. Fertilizing with a higher phosphorus formula around early spring or at the start of flowering can enhance bloom production. Allowing the plant to be slightly root-bound can also contribute to more prolific flowering.
Propagation and Repotting
Propagating German Empress Epiphyllum is done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section, 4-6 inches long, and allow it to callus for a few days to a week in a cool, dry spot. This callusing prevents rot when planted. Insert the callused end into a well-draining, airy potting mix, burying at least 1.5-2 inches of the stem. Mist lightly until roots develop (about 1-1.5 months), then gradually begin normal watering.
Repotting is needed when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every two to seven years. The ideal time to repot is after flowering to minimize disturbance to its bloom cycle. Choose a new pot only slightly larger than the previous one, as these cacti prefer to be snug in their containers.
Addressing Common Challenges
German Empress Epiphyllum plants are resilient, but can encounter issues. If your plant is not blooming, consider if it received an adequate cool, dry resting period in winter, which is key for flower initiation. Adjusting light exposure and ensuring appropriate phosphorus levels in fertilizer can also stimulate flowering.
Yellowing leaves or stem rot often indicate overwatering. Ensure the potting mix drains well and dries out between waterings. If stems appear shriveled, it may indicate under-watering. While generally pest-resistant indoors, watch for common houseplant pests like mealybugs or spider mites, which can be treated with horticultural remedies.