Garden Care Guide

Orchid Cactus Care

Epiphyllum

A forest cactus generally known for its giant, fragrant flowers that open at night. It should be protected from direct sun and likes a bright environment with well-drained soil. It needs a cool, dry winter rest period in order to flower.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 5 °C / 41 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Very little, once a month, just enough to lightly moisten the soil.
  • General care: It should rest in a cool (10-15°C), bright place; this period is critical for flower bud formation.
  • Pests & diseases: Root rot and softening of the stem are the biggest risks.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
February
  • Watering: Very little, as in January.
  • General care: Dormancy continues; tiny buds may appear by the end of the month.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for mealybugs (at the leaf junctions).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
March
  • Watering: When the buds become prominent, gradually increase watering (every 2-3 weeks).
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • General care: Do not move the plant while it has buds; it may drop them.
  • Pests & diseases: Bud drop is a sign of stress or relocation.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Plant protection: Aphids may infest the buds.
  • General care: Growth and bud development continue.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for mealybugs and aphids.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: After the flowers finish, switch to a balanced fertilizer.
  • Pruning: After the flowers fade, pruning can be done by cutting old or weak branches.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue balanced fertilizing 1-2 times a month.
  • Pruning: Prune if needed.
  • General care: New leaf (cladode) growth period; these branches will flower next year. A suitable time for repotting.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for spider mites and scale insects.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing.
  • Plant protection: If you see pests, use soapy water made with Aleppo soap or a suitable insecticide.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
  • Pests & diseases: The risk of sunburn (yellowing or whitening of the leaves) is high.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • Fertilizing: At the end of the month, stop fertilizing.
  • General care: Growth begins to slow and the plant prepares for winter dormancy.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Do not fertilize.
  • General care: Begin moving the plant to a cooler place; this period is important for the transition into winter dormancy.
  • Pests & diseases: Be alert for pests at the change of season.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: When nights start to cool, move the plant indoors to a cool, bright room.
  • Pests & diseases: Do a final check for pests before bringing it indoors.
November
  • Watering: Water very sparingly, as in October.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure the soil stays dry against the risk of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.
December
  • Watering: Water very little or not at all, as in November.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 5 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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