Orchid Cactus Problems

Root Rot

• Epiphyllums are particularly prone to root rot. The first place root rot is noticed is usually where the stem meets the soil surface. The flesh of the stem will turn brown and start falling away. At this point, you can only remove the plant from its pot, cut off the rot and attempt to reroot the viable parts of the branches. To avoid root rot, plant your orchid cactus in well-draining soil mixed half-and-half with coarse sand or perlite, and let the soil dry completely before waterings. The plants go dormant in the winter, so reduce watering levels as needed.

Slugs

• Slugs love the tender, succulent foliage of the orchid cactus, and they can cause major damage very quickly. This is a problem with plants that sit on the ground or whose leaves touch the ground. Hanging the plant higher or placing it on a stand or away from concrete structures where slugs love to hide are good preventative measures. Crushed shells or sharp rocks used as top dressing deter slugs. If slugs get into the soil, repot the plant and add diatomaceous earth to the mix according to label directions. Diatomaceous earth kills slugs in the soil by cutting their skin so they desiccate.

Fungus Gnats

• Soil kept too wet can result in an infestation of fungus gnats. The larvae of these tiny gnats can do a lot of damage to orchid cactus roots. Since fungus gnats grow in the top 2 inches of soil, keeping the soil as dry as possible is the best way to prevent them. Once the soil becomes infested, you must repot the plant in clean, sterile soil.

High-Nitrogen Fertilizer

• Orchid cactus is sensitive to nitrogen and should be fed at half-strength with a fertilizer no stronger than 15-30-15. Too much nitrogen can cause the plant not to flower or cause flower buds to drop before opening.

Temperature

• Orchid cactus are easily damaged by temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold-damaged portions of the leaves will turn brown then dry up and fall off, leaving them ugly and misshapen. Protect your plant by bringing it indoors when temperatures drop.

Sunburn

• Never expose an orchid cactus to strong, direct sunlight, as it will cause major sunburn damage to the leaves. If enough of the leaves are sunburned, the plant could die from not having enough surface to collect light for growth. If placed outside, put it in a semishady to shady spot, under a tree if possible.