Epiphyllum 'Ackermannii'
Epiphyllum 'Ackermannii is a classic, free-flowering orchid cactus famous for its large, brilliant scarlet-red blooms. It has been grown in cultivation for so long, and under the name Epiphyllum, that the label has stuck fast among hobbyists — but botanically it is now placed in the closely related genus Disocactus, and it is often regarded as a very old garden hybrid rather than a pure wild species. Its trailing, flattened green stems and reliable spring display have made it one of the most widely passed-around of all the red orchid cacti.
Description
'Ackermannii' is an epiphytic cactus with long, arching to pendent stems that are flattened and strap-like, with shallowly scalloped (crenate) margins and small areoles set in the notches. Like other orchid cacti it is essentially spineless as an adult, relying on its broad green stems rather than a globular body.
The flowers are the whole point: large, funnel-shaped and a vivid, glowing red, borne along the stem edges in spring and early summer. Compared with the huge white night-blooming Epiphyllum species, 'Ackermannii' opens by day and holds its colour boldly, which is why it has been a cottage-windowsill favourite for generations.
Cultivation
Care follows that of the parent genus — see Epiphyllum for the full picture. As a forest epiphyte rather than a desert cactus, it wants more generosity than a globular cactus would: a bright spot out of scorching midday sun, an open, humus-rich but still free-draining mix, and steadier moisture through the growing season, easing off in winter. It is happiest slightly pot-bound and appreciates the shelter of a hanging basket or a raised pot where the stems can trail.
To flower well it benefits from a cooler, drier winter rest; too much shade gives lush growth but few blooms, while a little more light (short of burning) encourages budding. Feed lightly during active growth and avoid waterlogging, the main cause of stem rot. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Like most orchid cacti, 'Ackermannii' is very easily grown from stem cuttings. Take a healthy segment, let the cut end callus for a few days, then set it in a gritty, barely moist mix until roots form. Because it is a named clone, cuttings are the standard way to keep it true — seedlings would not reliably reproduce the plant. This ease of striking is a large part of why the plant has spread so far, hand to hand, over the years.
See also
- Epiphyllum — the genus overview and general care
- Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Pests and diseases