FLOWERING ORCHID CACTUS - Epiphyllum & Disocactus Growing Tips to Get Orchid Cactus to Bloom

Shop plants here! plantvibrations-shop.myshopif...
One of the most incredible plants to grow for spectacular blooms is what is called an Orchid Cactus. This term refers to a few different epiphytic succulent cactuses (cacti) including Epiphyllum, Disocactus, Selenicereus and more. As a home gardener, you can enjoy some of the prettiest flowers you've ever seen by growing these plants. In this video I describe exactly what sort of conditions you should give your plants to get them to bloom. I also show how easy they are to propagate. #orchidcactus
1:58 Orchid Cactus Background
6:40 Orchid Cactus Care tips
11:10 Encouraging Flower Formation
15:05 Propagation
#succulents #cactus #epiphyllum #disocactus
*******************************
Donations to help us improve our content quality: www.paypal.com/paypalme/plant...
My favorite plants products:
Best Deluxe Growlight: amzn.to/3Tz3Vm1
Best Inexpensive Growlight: amzn.to/3hz2gzV
Growlight Bulbs: amzn.to/3G3bZIS
Clamp On Growlights: amzn.to/3TCgqxy
Rooting Hormone: amzn.to/3Uujxsx
Best Fertilizer for Foliage Growth: amzn.to/3fUACgi
Best Fertilizer for Flowering: amzn.to/3WRkcFY
Fungus Gnat Help: amzn.to/3UO4A4h
Floral Tape: amzn.to/3A6vH2B
Insect Control: amzn.to/3A3DgHe
Pruning Shears: amzn.to/3A6vQDb
Timer for Grow lights: amzn.to/3TnuYAU
Moss Pole Ingredients: amzn.to/3hDYTY8
Heat Pad for Propagations: amzn.to/3WMsYF8
More Plant Stuff: amzn.to/3WRkCMy
Make sure to peruse my channel for ever more content related to all things plant! I have many videos showing how to propagate various houseplants like Monstera, Anthurium, Philodendron, Pothos, and other Aroids. I also have tons of videos for the outdoor gardener looks for tips on pruning and growing some of my favorites like Hydrangea, Peony, Daylily, Black eye Susan, Beebalm, Groundcovers, succulents, and more.

[@teresaoneal5254]

Informative video. Thanks.💚💚💚

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cactusfiesta]

Great indoor garden! Congratulations and greetings from Mexico. God bless U

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@billzero7274]

You are a well spoken young man. Very informative thank you!

[@plantvibrations]

I appreciate that!

[@zennycollins351]

Great informative video on the orchid 🌵 cactus. I know exactly what I need to do now so my red orchid blooms nicely!!! Also, I really appreciate your emphasis on hemisphere location as it relates to caring for our cactuses!!! Love it !! 🌵🌿🪴🌿 Greetings from California!!

[@plantvibrations]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video!!

[@mannalei8795]

I have this yellow orchid cactus. There are blooming today, so elegant and fregrant.

[@plantvibrations]

the fragrance is divine!

[@ceciliatorres1882]

I didn't know that Orchid Cactus can be grown indoors. Mine has been outdoors which blooms almost all year. Yours, though, is huge.

[@plantvibrations]

You're so lucky to have it outdoors all year! I have others that stay inside all year and they never have the flower power or growth potential as one that can be outside for the summer months at least

[@ceciliatorres1882]

@Plant Vibrations with Devin Wallien I in SoCal so my Cacti are outdoors and kinda "Sunburned". Yours are greener.

[@gmatt2498]

I might try to get a orchid cactus this summer I like your blooms really nice hope I can grow it good like your plants. Appreciate the good tips.

[@plantvibrations]

You ought too! They have a special energy

[@user99351]

Great information, thank you. I’m in New Zealand. My two are presently outside hanging under a tree. Pink and red buds are developing nicely. The flowers are truly spectacular! 😍

[@plantvibrations]

sweeeeet!!! i need to find some pink and reds to add to my collection

[@sheilabroad8192]

Love Orchid cactus. Bought a small one last year and it gave me 2 huge blooms in the spring. 💕. Pink blooms .. love it 💗

[@plantvibrations]

ooooo i'm looking to add a pink flowered variety to my collection!

[@tonyabrown39]

I have never been able to get my Queen of the Night to bloom & its huge now. Gonna try your tips. Thanks

[@plantvibrations]

The day/night difference is huge

[@fridakwee5374]

GREAT tips!! Thank you

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for watching frida!

[@lianelindsey1407]

Love your video Your plants and their blooms are amazing! Thank you

[@plantvibrations]

So nice of you :)

[@cathylocklin3215]

Thank you for the great information, that plant is gorgeous.❤️

[@plantvibrations]

I just love these plants!

[@karenpowell4626]

Excellent video! Thank you for the clear instruction and the "why" of what is necessary!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenpowell4626]

@@plantvibrations I live in the Phoenix AZ area and keep most of my succulents indoors once the temos get under 50 then back outside when the temps are back above 50 consistently. I do find they struggle in the heat even if they get bright light but no direct sun during our hottest months. We get over 100 (think 112-120) during our monsoon season with lots of humidity. Would they maybe benefit from some time indoors during the day till early evening or would that be too much of a shock? I have regular epi, ric rac, queen of the night and fern leaf. Also desert rose and many hoya...I'm a bit of a plant nut, lol.

[@jessicadaniels536]

Amazing plant & Info!! OUCH, I just repotted one and watered it right away. But Learned from you not to water for a couple of weeks! I pray that it doesn't rot!

[@plantvibrations]

You should be fine! especially if you have placed them outside then it'll be all good

[@50Street21]

Very informative, Devin. Thank you! You've given me some tools to better support my family of orchid cacti. I am often having to separate the plants as they seem to fill the pots in so quickly. Cheers! Darryl

[@plantvibrations]

Sounds like you have quite the green thumb Darryl!

[@tirzagarcia2602]

Wow ❤so big thank you 🙏 for sharing

[@plantvibrations]

You are so welcome

[@deegrows7589]

Great tips! Thank you! I live in Cape May NJ so will be sure to put my ric rac cactus outside next summer!

[@plantvibrations]

Love cap May! Definitely a shaded spot will be great, such as a front porch

[@lindaelbert3157]

Thank you, just bought my first.

[@plantvibrations]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@malabanerjee8424]

You explained very nicely. Thanks a lot.

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you

[@chomama1628]

What a gorgeous specimen! I’ve just started a deep drive into the jungle cacti this past year and I am in love with these strange and wonderful plants. Thank you for your informative video.

[@plantvibrations]

me too! these plants are unlike any others i have in my garden! i love them

[@pamelaapgar8184]

I’ve never heard of a orchid cactus 🌵 great video

[@plantvibrations]

Great accompaniment to desert rose

[@aquariuswagewar7658]

Thank you so much

[@plantvibrations]

You're most welcome

[@MaryIBEW]

Thank you, now I know the difference. Mine are a bloom festival this year, I'm in Fla.

[@plantvibrations]

Awesome!!

[@aniskalick5607]

Thanks for the info God bless you I'm from south Africa bye

[@plantvibrations]

Blessings

[@margaretstrzalkowski5988]

Stunning ❣️❣️❣️

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@doneecemcneil7826]

Hi edagdwg God you love your plants never seen this special plant before thanks for sharing Linda j. Peace

[@plantvibrations]

:)

[@happinessinleaf]

Nice info

[@plantvibrations]

thanks for watching!

[@lettybarbecho6476]

Hola bonito día... Me encantó su video sobre todo que explica muy bien todo, tengo una planta que compré hace aproximadamente 2 años y he tenido muchos problemas con ella, aún no me dot por vencida pero casi, tuvo cochinilla, otra cosa que parecían ojitos pero como hojuelas ahora veo manchas en las hojas, en fin se me ha complicado mucho, así es que si pudiera hacer un video acerca se sus enfermedades y cómo curarlas sería genial... Saludos desde la Cd de México

[@plantvibrations]

Hola Letty. Intentaré hacer un video sobre ese tema!

[@jenniferhowell3908]

One of my favorites too! But how come you don't have the Fern Cactus? That is one of my personal favorites!! I picked up a tiny fishbone cactus at Home Depot last summer, had about 2 inch spikes and very sparse pot; placed it out on the deck, full sun actually, and it exploded with growth!! Stems are 1-2 feet long already and growing. Cant wait to put it back outside once it's warm enough. I'm in NH so that will be awhile, for now, she sits in a west window with several hours of a grow light in the AM

[@plantvibrations]

The fern cactus is super cool! I rly should add it to the mic

[@mollys1584]

Hi! I use a mix of cactus/succulent soil, orchard bark mix and perlite for my collection of tropical cacti and they seem to do well in it. I've read you should use regular potting mix but I've always done it this way and my cacti seem happy.

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds great!

[@jujubee7351]

Thank you , I have all of the items you suggest , I’m going to do this tomorrow for my Orchid Cactus . Thank you

[@jeffreyrossi5084]

That may be a good plant to add this year. I guess I I can crow their relatives I can grow them.

[@plantvibrations]

These plants are incredible, definitely worth it!

[@jenOutpost]

Oh wow this was really helpful! I have Hooker's Orchid cactus that's been in our family for years and it does bloom sometimes, but it has gotten all leggy and spindly and frankly rather unattractive and now I know why - I have not been giving it what it needs to thrive! Definitely going to make changes going forward, wish us luck! 😄

[@plantvibrations]

Hope it helped! I do have another video on a species more similar to hookeri. Check that Epiphyllum video out!

[@jenOutpost]

@@plantvibrations thank you very much! I just watched that one too and I'm feeling very motivated to do the best for my plant and strive to get it looking half as beautiful as yours 😄

[@jamiewright9327]

Is your family's fertilizer good for Hoyas and other plants too? How often would you use it?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes it is! I use it about once a month

[@MsBKHF]

Thank you for this terrific info. I am wondering if my plant will bloom again where a "notch" has already produced a bloom? Since I am propogating, do I need to use stems that have not yet produced a bloom?

[@plantvibrations]

You don’t need to worry about where to prop. All areas are capable of producing flowers

[@chuck4714]

Wow yours is so impressive!!! How long does it take for a cutting to get that large??

[@plantvibrations]

isn't it beautiful! they normally take about 3 years to get this size and flower

[@vanessaowen6818]

Hi Devin! So happy I found your channel. I bought my first orchid cactus today and am wondering, once I hang it outside, how can I protect it from insects/pests?

[@plantvibrations]

Glad you found it too! I have never had any issues with pests on my orchid cactus. But I do have a video showing how to bring plants back inside pest free when the cold weather comes. It shows you all you need to know!

[@vanessaowen6818]

@@plantvibrations Thank you! I will watch it right away. I am in western NC and we get some pests on our plants. For example, I just came inside from spraying my rose bush.

[@cwalton2973]

My fishbone cactus is growing very thin shoots. Will they get larger over time?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes they will. At the same time pre existing stems will continue to get longer

[@martamajeczka4649]

❤😊

[@plantvibrations]

:-)

[@martamajeczka4649]

😀💋

[@theclaeyscontinuum4276]

Thanks for your imformative videos! We just got one, and we're in Texas... current summer temps are in the low 100s... still best to hang outside until early winter?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes absolutely, just keep it in a shaded location

[@sylviabrunette7832]

What type of fertilizer do you use for the orchid cactus? 5-10-5, or flower fertilizer or? Really enjoy your videos.

[@plantvibrations]

Hi! I use my family's brand of fertilizer called Roberta's Bounty and it is roughly the same as a 5-10-5. Thanks for watching :)

[@sylviabrunette7832]

@@plantvibrations Thanks. Have learned a lot from your videos. By the way...are you going to the Philadelphia flower show? Heading there from Indy with my sister to visit my other sister. Been going to that show for close to 20 years.. Great flower show.

[@hereignsoverall2553]

I live in Western NY - I just purchased a selenicereus anthonyanus and am thrilled to see your video. What about the risk of bringing pests indoors to other plants if the cactus is outdoors all summer?

[@plantvibrations]

You can treat them with insecticidal soap before returning them inside, but orchid cacti are quite impervious, I don’t worry about mine

[@hereignsoverall2553]

@@plantvibrations Thanks so much!

[@carolcheatle1955]

Will you have this on QVC? It's beautiful

[@plantvibrations]

Yes! We will be having some Epiphyllum that produce the larger flowers I showed

[@hayleyhu3963]

Love your videos! My epiphyllum has suffered from mealy bugs over the past months and I treated it with systemic. I took it out some time before but the mealy bugs seemed to attract ants. Do you have any experience with mealy bugs on epiphyllum?

[@plantvibrations]

I’ve honestly never experienced any pests with my orchid cacti. But if it’s really bad the best way to save it is to take some six inch end cuttings and repot them up and discard the mother plant

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

Oh, it's gorgeous and huge! I have a large night blooming cereus, and I can't wait for my first bud. Please tell me where you found the grow light! I'm going to buy a Soltech light bulb IF I can find a lamp for it.

[@plantvibrations]

Have you checked my link to my Amazon ‘store’? Within the link you can find the grow lights I use!

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

@Plant Vibrations with Devin Wallien Thank you! I'll check it out. Just interested in a lamp at this time as I have a soltech grow light bulb.

[@carloshaun7297]

Do you have a video about Night-blooming Cereus? I have several. I know two of them desperately need repotting, due to lots of roots hanging out of the bottom of the pots. I had one with 11 blooms this past summer, usually it blooms only 1 or 2. We had a brutally hot summer here, near San Antonio, TX.

[@plantvibrations]

Yes i do! check my video "how to grow epiphyllum orchid cactus, tips and tutorial". in that video i discuss my Epiphyllum hookeri

[@melissaconard3308]

I have one from a friend that I started back in February. It was doing great but now at the base where meets the soil it has dried/gone brown. I can't figure out if I underwatered or overwatered. I repotted in case it was a drainage issue. 😢

[@plantvibrations]

Sounds more likely an overwater/rot issue. Cut the top off and throw the base away

[@aliciabell8053]

Thank you, a Alice! Is it alright to transfer long roots without cutting them?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes that should be fine

[@onarprimitivo7136]

Love them...may I please get some cuttings? =D

[@plantvibrations]

Hahah I have tons!

[@mikewood8680]

I root mine in water. Roots form super fast. PS I have a huge Rick rack cactus. No blooms. Same principles to bring these into bloom?

[@plantvibrations]

Oh wow, how much of the cutting do you set in water? I’ve never done it that way. I’m still waiting for my ricrac to bloom also, fours years so far 😒

[@susanlloyd4296]

I am new to these plants I have a cutting and on one leaf/stem I have two long thin shoots as if they are air roots, what are these?

[@plantvibrations]

The are probably not aerial roots. The ‘foliage’ of these plants is actually flattened stems and sometimes they remain rounded

[@rinkybooboo1155]

Can you place the cutting in water to get them to roots

[@plantvibrations]

You can but I find it unnecessary. Just place the bottommost inch in water

[@malabanerjee8424]

I have the white one. Is it possible for you to share a few leaves. There r a few colour. I like to have different colours. I will be obliged if I get it. 😊

[@plantvibrations]

What part of the country are you on?

[@wardm4]

Do you do any hardening off procedure before placing it outdoors? I'm going to do this for the first time this summer, but I know some plants need to acclimate to being outside if they've only been grown inside.

[@plantvibrations]

I do not. I actually just put mine outside in west chester pa

[@wardm4]

@@plantvibrations Cool! I'm in roughly the same zone in northeast Connecticut.

[@RocknRollInsomniac]

Does this apply to Queen of the Night (epiphyllum oxypetalum)?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes absolutely

[@karentyler4117]

How old are plants to bloom??? My plants from QVC last year never bloomed

[@plantvibrations]

Can take three years to bloom sometimes. Definitely placing outside will help tremendously

[@ancyuthuppan5234]

What’s the fertiliser you use for queen of the night

[@plantvibrations]

I use Roberta’s bounty

[@ayrandrobinson1697]

Does the ric rac Cactus bloom too? Mine gets these white spikes on the stems, which I don’t know what those are?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes they do! They have glorious large white or pink blooms

[@heatherdickson7966]

When you bring your plants in in the fall, do you spray them with any bug spray?

[@plantvibrations]

Hi Heather, check my video out about bringing plants inside for fall! I address it all

[@sykotikmommy]

I don't have any windows that receive bright light in southern facing windows. I do have brightly lit western windows.

[@plantvibrations]

That should be sufficient

[@joelopresti7087]

Where do you get the heat mats? I propagate a lot of cuttings but also start a lot of veggies from seed

[@plantvibrations]

Hey Joe check my link to my ‘Amazon shop’ in the description and you can find it there!

[@joelopresti7087]

@@plantvibrations Cool will do. Thanks

[@kepmart]

Thank you for your beautiful video and ton of information. I have few of them, but they never bloomed. My Mother always made them bloom. I have never learned from her. So, her flowers are not very happy with me. Thank you again!

[@plantvibrations]

i hope this helps yours bloom now!

[@joelopresti7087]

Great video. Definitely want to get one of these. I have about 25 orchids but assume this has different requirements than my phals, cattleya, dendrobium and vanda

[@plantvibrations]

Yep the care for these is quite different from most orchids, but sounds like your green thumb will have no problems

[@joelopresti7087]

@@plantvibrations Thanks. I have over 80 plants in the house.

[@conniecarruthers841]

Should you feed a epiphyllum after it’s set buds?

[@plantvibrations]

I would aim to do so prior to setting bud

[@nirmalamurali6341]

I am from Sydney, I would love to have one where can I get from and how much will it cost please help.

[@plantvibrations]

I wish I knew where you could find one!

[@gimurray8214]

How much water do you give in winter?

[@plantvibrations]

Basically none, a little bit every 6-8 weeks

[@eas40753]

I’m going to look, but in case you don’t have one… What’s the process to get it to be full like this? Should we do the cuttings like this multiple times? Also, I have mine outside now for Summer in Arkansas. It did well through the Winter inside. Is there a best time of year to do cuttings? Could I add the cuttings into the same pot after they take root?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes keep outside now! You can take cuttings now and plant now to fill the pot out. That’s the best solution

[@eas40753]

@@plantvibrations Thank you for your reply! Just to be sure I’m understanding clearly… I can take the cuttings now. Should I dry them for about a week first? Or immediately into the soil? And since I would be putting it into the mother plant soil (idk plant terms yet😅) to make that one fuller, would I need that soil to be dry at the time I transfer the cuttings? Hurricane Beryl came through here last night so that soil is watered from that. I’m assuming it’s too watered for cuttings now?

[@justjessica85]

Any idea why my orchid cactus I just received in the mail from someone actually has brownish orange spots on it?

[@plantvibrations]

that happens to mine as well. i dont believe its anything serious.

[@malabanerjee8424]

I also one white night queen. But I am not getting flowers from it. Can you please help me for flowering.

[@plantvibrations]

Is it experiencing a change in day and night temperatures?

[@deniecedonnafield5264]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@plantvibrations]

:-)

[@Iremember2forget]

I was just given a cutting of one but I am worried it is too dry here 🏜️I’m scared to put it outside

[@plantvibrations]

Put it out! Just give it water regularly. They root pretty fast

[@rodenel007]

Hi Devin----what do you do when your orchid cactus are in a overhead self watering greenhouse with lots of other plants that need water. should I put a shield over the plants. Thank you-----Robert

[@plantvibrations]

Are you able to hang it from the bars? That’s what we do and it gives it a great opportunity for draining quickly

[@69dogodon]

My orchid cactus has stalks or canes(?)

[@plantvibrations]

nice! that means it is maturing. mine has a number of straight up growing stems as well.

[@69dogodon]

@plantvibrations Thank you. I was beginning to think I had something different.

[@bellanegrin3915]

Why did most of my buds die or dry out?

[@plantvibrations]

Is it indoors? Drafts?

[@bellanegrin3915]

@Plant Vibrations with Devin Wallien I have an enclosed porch. About 65° at night and 85° during the day. I have had several spectacular blooms, but the other little buds just seemed to dry out and fall away. Watering when soil gets dry, misting sometimes. It is a large, mature plant. Just curious.

[@bhavnaj4403]

Hi I am new to growing these plants. I have a Epiphyllum and NB cactus and I wanted to ask if they bloom once the plant are a certain size? If so how big before I can see it bloom? Also I live in NV, and I have my both plants outdoors under the porch & patio. They do not get any direct sun. Is that a problem? Also I have them on the drip system. Is that good? Can I feed miracle grow? How often in our summer ? TYIA.

[@plantvibrations]

I would be careful about the drip system bringing too much water. Mine typically start blooming when they’re about 18” wife

[@ronmatranga2783]

Hi we have been following you on QVC as well you show here, I bought that same plant from you on QVC I didn’t know the name of the flower until now I see it here dicocactus. I have seen some similar called Gold Charm. I never find a smell on any of my Epipyllum plants and I have about 40 verities how can o get a smell out of my plants

[@plantvibrations]

Hi! thank you for your support both here and on QVC! regarding smell it really depends on the species. In my experience the large flowered varieties dont have fragrance, but my smaller flowered Disocactus does in fact produce a lovely fragrance.

[@lorrainegrant1027]

My Queen of the night refuses to bloom, I've had it for 5 years now.

[@plantvibrations]

Do you allow it to experience different temperatures?

[@lorrainegrant1027]

@@plantvibrations Thank you for responding. I am living in Jamaica 🇯🇲 where the temperature is usually the same.

[@luisaeibar4476]

Los atacan caracoles y babosas.....

[@plantvibrations]

:(

[@karentyler4117]

My plants died when it was 45 degrees. 4 2 nites

[@plantvibrations]

Oh man I’m sorry

[@user-mf4nm8ln3w]

Cancel addo p

[@plantvibrations]

i dont understand

[@vuonraugiainh-cuocsongmy9930]

Mine won’t bloom during the day! And I’m not sure what variety I have! Any tips to help them bloom during the day?

[@plantvibrations]

it really just depends on which species you are growing. some will only bloom during night time hours