eBay Guides - Epiphyllum An 'Epi' Defined

'Queen of the Night'

E. Oxypetalum

There are many misconceptions about Epiphyllum plants, commonly referred to as the Orchid Cactus, or Epis. As an ebay seller for a few years now I receive many questions about the genus Epiphyllum and all the particular plants that it is composed of (always happy to answer any of them as well!). This guide has been created to hopefully clear up some confusion about names.

To begin with, a definition of Epiphyllum...

Epiphyllums are a genus of flowering Cacti closely related to Hylocereus (a genus used in crossings for many of the Epiphyllum Hybrid plants). There are ONLY a handful of distinct, & different SPECIES in the genus Epiphyllum that have been identified. For the most part they will bloom shades of white. Most plants you see for sale called Epiphyllums are hybrid crosses.

Those Species Epiphyllum known to me are as follows:

E. Anguliger

E. Cartagense

E. Caudatum

E. Chrysocardium

E. Floribundum

E. Crenatum

E. Guatamalese (also in montrose var.)

E. Hookeri

E. Laui (sometimes spelt 'Lauii')

E. Lepidocarpum

E. Macropterum

E. Oxypetalum

E. Phyllanthus

E. Pumilum

E. Thomasianum

Many of these species plants are often confused with one another for similarities between their flowers (which are typically white, or shades of white). There are also a couple of subdivisions in some of the classes (for example E. Crenatum var. Chichicastenego)

Which brings us to one of the confusing parts for some not so familiar with Epiphyllums...

The common abbreviation 'Epi' for the genus Epiphyllum also refers to MANY other plants. Epiphyllums received their name from the term epiphyte, which is derived from Greek 'epi,' which means 'upon,' and 'phyton,' which means 'plant.' So the term 'Epi' can be used to describe ANY plant that grows upon another.

A perfect example of this is 'Epi' Cryptocereus Anthonyanus, otherwise known as the "RicRac," which is NOT a true Epiphyllum.

Pictured above, the RicRac (its common name) is a member of the genus Cryptocereus (like hylocereus, also very closely related to the genus Epiphyllum). It makes stunning large pink & white blooms, and also grows just like an Epiphyllum, preferring mostly identical conditions to thrive - it is also propagated by fleshy cuttings just like an Epiphyllum, only it is not.

Bromeliads and even mistletoe are also examples of plants that could also be considered 'Epis.'

Because there are so few actual species of Epiphyllum plants, it is almost a wonder to behold the thousands of hybrids that have been created (many of them crossed with plants outside the Epiphyllum genus - such as Hylocereus, a common hybrid parent), these hybrids are considered Epiphyllum and are often what you are buying when you shop for an 'Epi' today. Over the years many characteristics have been integrated into the epiphyllum genus through the creation of hybrids. In the actual genus Epiphyllum there are many different colors shapes and sizes of blooms, most of them a cross between two older hybrids. Epiphyllums have been crossed repeatedly by hybridizers to acquire the most desired bloom & growth characteristics.