You’ll also learn about foliage and growth habit, though in general, epiphyllum hybrids tend to be compact in size, while the mature sizes of species plants varies from one to the next.
And just a reminder, we’re not going to cover care needs in this article, so be sure to check out our complete guide to growing epiphyllums.
And now begins our excursion into the realm of the orchid cacti!
1. Ackermannii
Our first selection is commonly known as “red orchid cactus.”
Although this species used to be classified in the Epiphyllum genus, E. ackermannii has since been reclassified to the closely related Disocactus genus, and is now known botanically as D. ackermannii.
Red orchid cactus blooms in the springtime, bearing scarlet red, funnel-shaped flowers that reach five inches across or more.
These are delicately scented and last for a few days before fading.
The stems of red orchid cactus reach seven inches to three feet long, and have prominent veins and undulating to toothed margins. These stems display upright growth before trailing down.
In 2012, this species received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Interested in purchasing a specimen of your own? You’ll find a red-flowered D. ackermannii orchid cactus in a six-inch pot from Bubble Blooms via Walmart.
2. American Sweetheart
‘American Sweetheart’ is an epiphyllum hybrid with gorgeous pink and golden-pink blooms.
Flowers are extra-large, reaching nine inches wide or more, and have a cup and saucer form, with pink inner petals, golden-pink outer petals, and cream colored stigma and stamens.
‘American Sweetheart’ has flat stems and grows well in a hanging basket.
3. Anguliger
Commonly called “zigzag cactus” or “fishbone cactus,” Disocactus anguliger is another species that has been ousted from the Epiphyllum genus.
Also previously classified as Cereus mexicanus, which is considered a synonym, fans of forest cacti will frequently see this species referred to as E. anguliger.
Its flat, wide stems are deeply lobed, making one think of the skeleton of a fish – or of rickrack ribbon, which gives rise to another common name, “ric rac cactus.”
This species bears medium-sized flowers that measure five to seven inches across.
Inner petals are white to cream colored, broad and overlapping, surrounded by golden to golden brown, narrow outer petals. Stigma, stamens, and style are all white.
These flowers bloom at night and are short lived, remaining open for 12 to 24 hours.
D. anguliger grows well in a hanging basket and has prolific foliage, which can grow several feet long.
To add this species to your collection, you’ll find a set of three D. anguliger fishbone plants in four-inch pots from California Tropicals via Amazon.
Learn more about growing fishbone cactus here.
4. Anthonyanus
Our next selection is commonly called “fishbone cactus.”
Are you getting a feeling of déjà vu?
Glad to know you’re paying attention – yes, that common name should sound very familiar! I suppose the world is big enough for two fishbone cacti, isn’t it?
Along with bearing a remarkably close resemblance to the previous selection, this species (Selenicereus anthonyanus) shares additional common names with that other fishbone cactus – “ric rac cactus” as well as “zigzag cactus.”
While S. anthonyanus was never classified botanically as an Epiphyllum, it is often confused with its lookalike and is frequently referred to as an epiphyllum.
S. anthonyanus has long, flat stems that are deeply lobed, with a fishbone shape. Compared to D. anguliger, the lobes are sharper and less rounded – but only on more mature stems!
Younger specimens of these two species can be extremely hard to distinguish from each other based on their foliage.
