Cactus 'Red Orchid'
Cactus 'Red Orchid'
Cactus 'Red Orchid'
Cactus 'Red Orchid'

Cactus 'Red Orchid'

$9.99
Title

Orchid Cactus is an attractive tropical cactus with long, flat, arching or trailing stems and spectacular, large, showy flowers. Unlike desert cacti, it has no prominent spines and naturally grows as an epiphyte in tropical forests, making it well-suited to hanging baskets.
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Details & Plant Care

Difficulty:

Easy to Moderate

Water:

Medium-High Water (Top 25% Dry)

Humidity:

It appreciates moderate humidity because it originates from tropical forest environments, but good air circulation is important to prevent fungal problems.

Pet Friendly:

Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, individual plants and hybrids can vary, so preventing pets from chewing houseplants is still recommended.

Light:

Bright Indirect Light

Plant Information

Common Names:

Orchid Cactus, Epiphyllum, Epiphyllum Cactus, Climbing Cactus

Scientific Name:

Disocactus spp. and related epiphytic cactus hybrids

Country Of Origin

Native to tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America, where many species grow as epiphytes on trees.

Growth Rate:

Moderate - Fast

Soil Type:

A loose, chunky, well-draining epiphytic cactus mix. A combination of orchid bark, coco coir or peat, and perlite or pumice provides good aeration and drainage while retaining moderate moisture.

Fertilize:

Seasonally

Remember to only fertilize during their active growing season.

Common Pests

Mealybugs

Mealybugs

What To Look For: White, cottony or waxy masses on stems, leaf axils, underside of leaves. Sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth, yellowing or dropping leaves.

How To Treat: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab and remove visible bugs. Wash leaves and stems with gentle soapy water. In heavy infestations, consider removing very affected stems/leaves or, in the worst case, replacing the plant.

Scale Insects

Scale Insects

What To Look For: Small oval or round bumps on stems or leaves; they may look like part of the plant. Sticky residue/honeydew, sooty mold. Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and decline in plant vigour.

How To Treat: Physically scrape or wipe off scale insects when you see them; use your fingernail or a soft brush. Use horticultural/plant-safe oils or insecticidal soap when the crawler stage is active. Re-inspect regularly because scale eggs and crawlers can hide under shells.

Spider Mites

Spider Mites

What To Look For: Very fine webbing under leaves or between stems and leaves (especially in dry indoor air). Leaves may appear stippled (tiny yellow or white dots) or dusty; they may turn yellow, brown or drop. When you tap a leaf onto white paper, you might see tiny moving specks. (Often too small to see easily)

How To Treat: Increase humidity around the plant (since mites thrive in dry air). Spray plant thoroughly (both sides of leaves) with insecticidal soap or a miticide/plant-safe oil; repeat every few days. In heavy infestations, consider removing severely affected sections; isolate the plant.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus Gnats

What To Look For: Small flies hover around the soil surface when you water or disturb the plant. Larvae in soil feeding on root hairs and organic matter may lead to poor growth or young plants dying. Usually in overly moist potting soil or with poor drainage.

How To Treat: Allow the soil surface to dry a bit between watering; reduce over-watering. Use yellow sticky traps to catch adult gnats. Consider repotting into a fresh, well-draining mix and removing excess topsoil debris; you can also use a layer of sand or diatomaceous earth on the soil surface.

Aphids

Aphids

What To Look For: Small soft-bodied insects (green, yellow, black or orange) usually congregating on new growth, stems or leaf undersides. Sticky residue (“honeydew”) on leaves or nearby surfaces, sometimes with sooty mold developing on it. Distorted or curling leaves, wilting, slow growth.

How To Treat: Isolate the infested plant to prevent spread. Blast with water to dislodge many adults, especially on newer growth. Use insecticidal soap, making sure to cover the leaf underside and new growth. Repeat treatments every 7 days or so until no new signs appear. (Since they reproduce quickly)