[Overview]
A group produced by crossing forest cacti from central to South America, such as those of the genera Epiphyllum and Nopalxochia.
It is a flowering cactus grown for its blooms.
The stems are flat and leaf-like, or have 3 ridges.
The stem margins are gently wavy and have no spines.
The flowers are solitary, usually open during the day, and have many glossy, translucent tepals.
The flowers vary in size and color; flower colors include red, white, yellow, pink and orange.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers a sunny place, but direct summer sun causes leaf scorch, so move it to partial shade in summer.
In winter, keep it where it will not freeze.
Plant it in well-drained soil; from spring to autumn, water when the soil surface dries, and keep it on the dry side in winter.
Overwatering causes root rot.
In early summer, give a small amount of fertilizer rich in phosphate and potash.
It grows upright, but the stems are soft and lean as they elongate, so staking makes it easier to manage.
In summer, slugs and scale insects may appear.
