[Arid_gardener] RE:Epiphyllum cactus

[Christine M. Bahto]

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:23:20 -0500
From: "inakylake" <inakylake at mchsi.com>
Subject: [Arid_gardener] question

How do you trim back a night blooming cyrus. Mine is about 4 feet tall and
very full. Would like to cut it back and don't know how far back to cut it.

My plant is a big plant. About 5 feet tall and is so heavy with leaves,  I
have to stake it up in the pot. I want to cut it back. How far back can I
cut this plant?
It bloomed 4 times this year and each time it had from 12 to 20 blooms. I am
getting it ready to be brought in for the winter. I live in Western Ky. and
we may have a frost this week. I have it in a big flower pot.  Thanks for
you information!
Ina

ANSWER:
Ina,
I remember seeing your question last year along with a photo of your plant,
I still have the photo saved in one of my files! Your cactus is an
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, one of many cacti with the common name of Night
Blooming Cereus or Queen of the Night. It is also a tropical cactus with
it's origins in Central America.

You shouldn't prune off more than 25% of the plant, with that said you can
prune off which ever stems you'd like. This cacti has long stems with leaves
at the ends so cut the stems all the way back to where they originate trying
to keep a balanced shape and also take some weight off the top of it. You
can root the cuttings and give them to friends (or keep for yourself), do
not root in water...pot them up and keep moist but not soggy.

Sorry to hear about the frost...we're still in the 90's here in Phoenix!

Hope this helps,
Christine Bahto
Master Gardener, Maricopa County, University of Arizona Cooperative
Extension