How to Care for Red Epiphyllums

Grow the red orchid cacti in a pot filled with well-draining, moisture-holding growing mix such as three parts potting mix and one part perlite, or one part sand, two parts peat moss and one part pine bark. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Place the potted red epiphyllum in a spot exposed to partial sunlight, with temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight or temperatures lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit

Water the red epiphyllum once a week or when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Insert your finger to a depth of 2 inches to determine moisture requirements. Increase irrigation frequency during the hot, dry summer or reduce to once every three weeks during the winter. Avoid over-watering the soil or causing pools of water to form at the base of the epiphyllum plant.

Spray the red epiphyllum plant with lukewarm water once every day during the summer, or place a humidifier near the cacti to increase humidity. Dry indoor air is detrimental to the tropical plant.

Feed the red epiphyllum plant a well-balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every month during the growing season, from spring until fall. Dilute the fertilizer to half its strength before feeding the plant. Follow label directions for application rates to prevent over- or under-fertilizing. Stop fertilizing the red epiphyllum during the winter when it becomes dormant.

Prune spent flowers and dead or dry foliage from the plant to maintain appearance and invigorate growth. Use sharp, sterilized pruning scissors to cut plant parts. Collect clippings and plant debris from the base of the red epiphyllum and discard.

Repot the orchid cactus every six years to provide growing space for roots. Repotting the plant improves drainage and provides essential nutrients depleted during the growing process. Fill a larger container with well-draining growing mix and grow the red epiphyllum in it. Snip off damaged or dried roots of the plant before transplanting. Water the orchid cactus four to six days after transplanting.