Epiphyllum Oxypetalum 'Dutchman's Pipe Cactus'

Picture via Wikimedia

Basic Info

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is also known as the ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’. As the cacti matures you can expect it to reach up to around 6 m (20ft) tall or about 40 cm or (16″) long. The plants main feature is the green stem that grows slowly until it finally produces white floweres.

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Epiphyllum

Care and Propagation Information

Watering

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.

General Care for Epiphyllum Oxypetalum ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’

This succulent type grows in long lines all along its main stem. It can be quite the fun addition to your garden if you enjoy white flowers.

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Quick Facts:

  • Prefers full sun
  • Can be grown outdoor
  • Grows 6 m (20ft) tall
  • Grows up to 40 cm (16″) long
  • Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
  • Does not handle cold well
  • Prefers Zone 10a-11b -1.1 °C (30 F)
  • Best propagated by seeds

Where to Plant

Epiphyllum Oxypetalum ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.

This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a-11b which is around -1.1 °C (30 °F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.

How to Propagate Epiphyllum Oxypetalum ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’

Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus can be propagated by seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.

Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.

How to Propagate Epiphyllum Oxypetalum ‘Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus’ Using Seeds

This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.

Origin and Habitat

The Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus is known to be native to southern Mexico and also extensive areas of South America.