Photo: Daniel PattersonCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Thomas' Orchid Cactus Plant Care
Epiphyllum thomasianum (K.Schum.) Britton & Rose
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This epiphytic cactus stands out with its long, flat, and leaf-like stems that cascade gracefully. Originating from the rainforests of the Philippines, Epiphyllum thomasianum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night, creating a captivating display.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Water Thomas' Orchid Cactus every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Thomas' Orchid Cactus Native To?
What Is the Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Thomas' Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum thomasianum) belongs to the Cactaceae family within the Epiphyllum genus. Thomas' Orchid Cactus is native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panamá.
Thomas' Orchid Cactus displays an epiphytic, sprawling cactus growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Thomas' Orchid Cactus produces large, showy blooms in various colors like red, pink, orange, and white.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Epiphyllum thomasianum requires watering every 10–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Thomas' Orchid Cactus Need?
Thomas' Orchid Cactus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Thomas' Orchid Cactus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Thomas' Orchid Cactus Prefer?
Epiphyllum thomasianum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Thomas' Orchid Cactus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Well-draining cactus mix with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Thomas' Orchid Cactus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Feed Thomas' Orchid Cactus every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Thomas' Orchid Cactus can be propagated through stem cuttings, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to queen of the night cactus plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Thomas' Orchid Cactus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Thomas' Orchid Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Thomas' Orchid Cactus?
Thomas' Orchid Cactus is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Thomas' Orchid Cactus Need?
Thomas' Orchid Cactus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Thomas' Orchid Cactus is native to Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panamá. In cooler regions, grow Thomas' Orchid Cactus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Thomas' Orchid Cactus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Epiphyllum genus — compare its care with other Epiphyllum species on PlantoScan.
Epiphyllum is part of the Cactaceae plant family — browse all Cactaceae genera and species.
Thomas' Orchid Cactus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Epiphyllum Species
Other Epiphyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Epiphyllum thomasianum (K.Schum.) Britton & Rose, family Cactaceae (first published in in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 16: 259. 1913.) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Thomas' Orchid Cactus, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Daniel Patterson, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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