Epiphytic Mexican leaf cactus with enormous white night flowers

Epiphyllum chrysocardium (syn. Selenicereus chrysocardium) is a large epiphytic cactus endemic to Mexico, sometimes called fern-leaf cactus or "Golden Heart". This tropical leaf cactus from southern Mexico has large, flat and broadly lobed stems and produces enormous (up to over 30 centimeters!) white flowers.

In nature, this cactus grows epiphytically, i.e., on and in trees in the humid mountain forests of southern Mexico (states of Chiapas and Tabasco) in montane cloud forests at altitudes between 1600 and 1800 meters above sea level. The climate there is humid and mild, and nights can sometimes get cold.

The broadly lobed stems with pale green, flat, fleshy segments reach a length of up to 1.8-2 meters. The gigantic night-blooming, white, fragrant flowers are 30-35 centimeters long and open only for a short time (often just one day or one night) and are said to smell of sour cream. They particularly attract bats. The inflorescences have golden filaments, which is why it is often called "Golden Heart" in its native areas.

Botanical description

The species was published by Edward Johnston Alexander in 1956. It used to be the only species in the genus Chiapasophyllum, apart from a previous inclusion in the genus Selenicereus (commonly called fishbone, ric-rac, or zig-zag cacti), but molecular phylogenetic studies show that it belongs to Epiphyllum.

Care

Although this is a cactus, it should be treated more like a regular tropical plant or orchid. It does not like to dry out for a long time and should therefore be watered regularly. It should be planted in very loose soil or orchid substrate, as it grows epiphytically in nature.

This highland plant does not like temperatures that are too warm, so it should be kept below 30°C if possible, especially in summer, and also have temperatures lowered significantly at night.

It can be fertilized once a month with orchid or cactus fertilizer. Water less in winter and protect the plant from dry indoor air.

Ideal temperature 18-26°C during the day with lower night temperatures. Buy Epiphyllum chrysocardium online!