Orchids That Look Like Cactus

Christmas Orchid

• The Christmas orchid is one of the most popular and widely distributed of the orchid blooming cacti. It has tubular flowers blooming for over three weeks in December. The blooms are most often bright pink to blood red. A rare yellow variety with jewellike blossoms has also been cultivated.

Climbing Orchid

• Climbing orchids are funnel-shaped and about 10 inches long with a very fragrant scent. These plants bloom only after 8 p.m.and they last until noon the next day. The plant is characterized by its bright white "star burst" blossoms, and a pink interior pistil with a tiny yellow flower at the end. Its ability to climb like a vine makes it a visually interesting plant and gives it its name.

Night Blooming Cerus

• This orchid is also commonly known as " Queen of the Night" or "Dutchman's Pipe." It is considered the most popular and widely cultivated species in the world. It blossoms only at night. You will have a bit of the rain forest in your home with its intoxicating sweet fragrance. The plant's blossoms are large and spectacular and produces an edible magenta fruit, known as a "dragon fruit," that looks like a hot pink and green cactus.

Epiphyllum Hybrid

• This is a traditional white epiphyllum, but its genes are altered, so it grows into a vibrant variety of colors. Its blossoms are stunning in shades of red, violet, pink, orange and a rare yellow. Pink is primarily cultivated in India because of the deep pink flowers preferred for ceremonial celebrations. Some varieties have angled stems growing off a central stem and extend from 18 to 30 inches long. These orchids can be shaped like bells, funnels or cups; some are wide with curled, fine serrated or smooth edges.