Pot Size: 3.5" rooted cutting
Accepted Scientific Name: Epiphyllum hybrid 'Bumpkin'
Origin and Habitat:
Epiphyllum 'Bumkin' is a cultivated orchid cactus hybrid belonging to the Cactaceae family. Its ancestry originates from tropical epiphytic cacti native to Central and South America, where they grow on trees and rocky surfaces in humid forests. These plants thrive in environments with filtered sunlight, good air circulation, and moderate moisture. Unlike desert cacti, Epiphyllum hybrids prefer organically rich, well-aerated growing media. 'Bumkin' is grown for its ornamental flowers and is not a naturally occurring species.
Description:
Epiphyllum 'Bumkin' is an attractive orchid cactus hybrid producing striking, medium-sized flowers approximately 5–7" across. The blooms feature broad, overlapping ruby-red inner petals with deep rosine-purple to magenta edges, surrounded by narrower coral-red to orange-red outer petals. The flowers have an open, layered form with prominent pale stamens and typically appear during spring and early summer. The plant develops flattened, green, leaf-like stems that become arching or pendulous with maturity, often reaching 18–36" in length. Its colourful flowers and cascading growth habit make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and container displays.
Cultivation
Zone: 10–11; protect from frost.
Temperature: Optimal growth at 15–28 °C. Avoid prolonged exposure below 10 °C.
Growth Rate: Moderate, producing flattened, arching stems that become pendulous with maturity.
Soil: A well-draining, organically rich mixture containing fine orchid bark, coco coir, and pumice. The growing medium should retain some moisture while providing excellent aeration.
Watering: Water thoroughly during active growth, allowing the upper portion of the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during winter.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during active growth. Reduce feeding during autumn and discontinue during winter.
Light: Bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Gentle morning sun is beneficial, but protect from intense afternoon sunlight.
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and stem rot associated with excessive moisture and poor air circulation.
Propagation:
Easily propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy, mature stem sections approximately 4–6" long and allow the cut surfaces to dry and callus for several days. Insert cuttings into a lightly moist, well-aerated growing medium containing orchid bark and pumice. Maintain temperatures around 20–25 °C in bright, indirect light. Roots generally develop within several weeks. Vegetative propagation preserves the distinctive flower colour and growth characteristics of the cultivar.
