Epiphyllum

In spring or summer, these succulent plants produce large, exotic, multi-petalled flowers in a choice of colours, including red, white, pink and yellow. The flat, leaf-like stems cascade over the sides of their container.

These tropical plants like warm, humid conditions from spring to autumn, with a cooler, drier spell in winter. They are tender, so must be kept above 10°C (50°F), and prefer bright, filtered light.

Despite being cacti, these tropical forest-dwellers dislike extremely dry conditions and strong summer sunshine. Equally, they can't cope with waterlogging or cold temperatures.

A quick and easy way to grow new plants is to take stem cuttings. These root readily, as long as the cut end is left to dry out for a few days first. The resulting plants can reach flowering size in only a year.