Epiphyllum
Night-blooming cactus with broad, flat stems and large flowers
Epiphyllum is a genus of epiphytic cacti native to Central and South America. These plants have broad, flat stems and produce large, many-petalled flowers in shades from white to red that bloom at night. The fruit is edible, and some species are grown for their striking, fragrant blossoms.
- Blooms only at night and wilts by dawn
- Flowers are large, up to 16 cm across, white to red
- Broad, flat stems with lobed edges
- Edible fruit similar to pitaya but smaller
What does Epiphyllum look like?
Epiphyllum plants are epiphytic cacti with broad, flat stems that measure 1 to 5 cm across and 3 to 5 mm thick. The edges of the stems are often lobed. Their flowers are large, ranging from 8 to 16 cm in diameter, and come in colors from white to red. The flowers have many petals and bloom at night, wilting by dawn. Some species, like Epiphyllum oxypetalum, are known for their strong fragrance. The fruit is small, about 3–4 cm long, and edible.
Where does Epiphyllum come from?
Epiphyllum is native to Central and South America, where it grows as an epiphyte—meaning it lives on other plants but is not parasitic. The genus name comes from Greek words meaning 'upon the leaf,' reflecting the plant's broad, leaf-like stems. The genus was first described in 1812 by Adrian Hardy Haworth. Epiphyllum species are part of the cactus family and are related to other epiphytic cacti in the tribe Hylocereeae.
When and how Epiphyllum blooms
Epiphyllum flowers open at night and close by dawn, a pattern known as nocturnal anthesis. These cacti are typically grown in gardens or as houseplants for their showy flowers. They are propagated from cuttings or seeds and thrive in conditions that mimic their native habitats, such as filtered light and well-drained soil. The edible fruit is similar to pitaya but smaller.
How Epiphyllum is used
People grow Epiphyllum mainly for their large, beautiful flowers, which are often displayed in homes and gardens. The fruit is edible, though smaller than that of related cacti. Epiphyllum hybrids, sometimes called 'epis,' are popular among gardeners for their striking blooms, though true Epiphyllum species are less often used in hybridization than the name suggests.
Kinds of Epiphyllum
There are about 10 accepted species in the genus Epiphyllum. The best-known is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, famous for its large, fragrant night-blooming flowers. Many plants sold as 'epiphyllums' are actually hybrids involving other genera, especially Disocactus. Some species formerly placed in Epiphyllum have been reclassified.
What Epiphyllum means
Epiphyllum is valued for its dramatic, night-blooming flowers and is often grown as an ornamental plant. The broad-leaved species, especially Epiphyllum oxypetalum, is particularly admired for its scent and size. The genus is sometimes called 'orchid cactus' due to the showy blooms, though it is not related to orchids.
Questions people ask about Epiphyllum
Where does Epiphyllum come from?
Epiphyllum is native to Central and South America, where it grows as an epiphyte on other plants in forests.
What does the Epiphyllum flower look like?
The flowers are large, 8 to 16 cm in diameter, with many petals and colors ranging from white to red. They bloom at night and wilt by dawn.
Is the fruit of Epiphyllum edible?
Yes, the fruit is edible and resembles the pitaya fruit of related cacti, though it is smaller, about 3–4 cm long.
Why is Epiphyllum called 'orchid cactus'?
It is called 'orchid cactus' because of its showy, orchid-like flowers, though it is not related to orchids.
Are all 'epiphyllums' true Epiphyllum species?
No, many plants sold as 'epiphyllums' are hybrids involving other genera, especially Disocactus, and not all are true Epiphyllum species.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Epiphyllum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
Others in the family Cactaceae
The whole family
CactusCactaceae
Succulent plants with spines, native to the Americas
🇲🇽 Mexico and 7 more · Wildflower
Prickly pearOpuntia
Cactus with flat pads and edible fruit, native to the Americas
🇲🇽 Mexico and 7 more · Wildflower
Indian fig opuntiaOpuntia ficus-indica
A large, spiny cactus grown for its sweet fruit and edible pads
🇲🇽 Mexico and 7 more · Wildflower
Mammillaria
A diverse group of small, rounded cacti with funnel-shaped flowers
🇲🇽 Mexico and 5 more · Wildflower