Epiphyllum 'Celestial Snow'

RHS Plant Profile
orchid cactus 'Celestial Snow'
Cactus Succulent Houseplants Conservatory Greenhouse

An evergreen epiphytic cactus with rounded stems and green succulent-like lobed leaves. Large, double creamy yellow fragrant flowers appear from late spring to early summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus
Epiphyllum are a genus of around 20 species of epiphytic cacti. Their rounded stems produce succulent leaf-like branches with funnel-shaped nocturnal flowers.
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

In areas where temperatures drop below 10ºC, grow in epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light as houseplants or in a warm greenhouse with moderate to high humidity, and a minimum temperature of 10ºC for most of the year but 15ºC in the growing season; from mid-spring to late summer water freely and apply a high-potash fertilizer every 2 weeks as flower buds form, while in winter keep just moist. In warmer climates, grow in fertile, sharply drained soil in light dappled or partial shade. For more advice, see Epiphyllum cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free