Hooker's Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri): Night-Blooming Epiphyte

Overview

Hooker's Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri) is an epiphytic cactus with long, flat, leaf-like stems that cascade gracefully. In spring to early summer, it produces enormous, fragrant, white nocturnal flowers up to 8 inches across, with yellow stamens and a sweet perfume. The blooms last only one night but appear in succession. Native to tropical forests from Mexico to South America, it grows on trees, not in soil. Ideal for hanging baskets or mounted on bark in warm, humid, shaded conditions.

Key Features

• Stems: Flat, broad, spineless, segmented; 1–3 ft long.
• Flowers: Huge, white, fragrant, nocturnal; yellow center; spring/summer.
• Fruit: Oblong, red, edible when ripe.
• Habit: Epiphytic, cascading; great for hanging culture.

Care Guidelines

Light

Bright shade / dappled light. No direct hot sun.

Water

Keep evenly moist during growth; reduce in winter. High humidity loved.

Soil

Orchid mix or epiphytic blend: bark, perlite, peat, charcoal.

Temperature

60–85°F. Protect from frost. Enjoys summer outdoors in shade.

Taxonomy

Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Epiphyllum (ep-ih-FYE-lum)
Species:	hookeri (HOOK-er-ee)
Synonyms:	Epiphyllum phyllanthus var. hookerii, Epiphyllum latifrons, Epiphyllum stenopetalum, Cereus hookeri, Epiphyllum ruestii