4 Types Of Epiphytic Cacti [With Pictures]

Last Updated on July 6, 2023

Epiphytic cacti are a type of cactus that grow on other plants or objects. They are native to the Americas and can be found in habitats from deserts to rainforests. There are four main types of epiphytic cacti: rhipsalis, Harrisia, Schlumbergera, and Weberocereus.

Each type has its own unique features and growing requirements.

If you’re looking for a little bit of greenery to add to your home but don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional plants, cacti are a great option. And if you really want to go all out, epiphytic cacti are an even better choice. These unusual plants grow not in soil, but in the air, making them perfect for small spaces or areas where regular plants wouldn’t be able to thrive.

There are four main types of epiphytic cacti: rhipsalis, haworthia, Schlumbergera, and Christmas cactus. Rhipsalis is the largest and most widespread epiphytic cactus genus and can be found throughout Central and South America. Haworthia is native to southern Africa and has around 60 different species.

Schlumbergera is from Brazil and its members are often called “Christmas” or “Thanksgiving” cactuses because they bloom around those holidays. Finally, Christmas cactus (or Zygocactus) is actually not a true cactus at all; it’s more closely related to orchids! So if you’re looking for something a little different for your home décor, why not give one of these unique epiphytic cacti a try?

4 Types of Epiphytic Cacti [With Pictures]

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Table of Contents

Are Cacti Epiphytes?

Most cacti are not epiphytes, with the vast majority being native to arid or semi-arid habitats where they occur as terrestrial plants. A small number of cacti, however, have adapted to life in the canopy of tropical forests and these are true epiphytes. The best-known epiphytic cactus is probably Rhipsalis baccifera, which is native to rainforests in Central and South America.

This plant has long, thin stems that hang down from tree branches and it produces tiny white flowers followed by red fruits. Another popular epiphytic cactus is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, which is native to Mexico and Honduras. This plant has large, showy flowers that bloom at night and it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate regions.

What are the Different Types of Cacti?

The cactus family (Cactaceae) is one of the most easily recognizable plant families in the world, thanks to its iconic members like the saguaro and prickly pear. But did you know that there are actually many different types of cacti? In fact, there are so many different species and hybrids that it can be difficult to even keep track!

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common types of cacti: 1. Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) The saguaro is perhaps the most iconic cactus, thanks to its towering size and unique shape.

Native to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States, this sun-loving plant can grow up to 60 feet tall! Saguaros are slow-growing plants, taking around 50 years to reach their full size. They’re also quite long-lived, with some individuals living for over 200 years!

2. Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) Prickly pears are another popular type of cactus, and they come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. These low-growing plants are native to dry regions throughout North and South America, where they’re often used as food or natural fencing.

Prickly pears get their name from their large, flat pads which are covered in sharp spines. Some species also have edible fruit that tastes something like a cross between a watermelon and a strawberry! 3. Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus sp.)

Barrel cacti are distinctive for their round or cylindrical shape, which helps them store water during drought conditions. These tough plants are native to arid regions throughout North America, where they often grow alongside other desert dwellers like Joshua trees and yucca plants. Barrel cacti come in all sorts of sizes, from small varieties that only grow a few inches tall to giant specimens that can reach 20 feet in height!

4. Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus sp.) Hedgehog cacti get their name from their dense covering of sharp spines, which resemble the quills on a hedgehog’s back! These small cacti are native to dry regions throughout North America, where they often grow in rocky soil or on cliffsides. Hedgehog cacti come in an incredible variety of colors – everything from bright pink to deep purple – making them popular with collectors and gardeners alike. 5.(Lophocereus schottii) Pitaya Cactus Native To: Mexico The pitaya or dragon fruit is one among many edible member within the vast family of “cactuses” . It is characterized by it’s leathery green/grey exterior , dotted with scales rather than bristles or needles . The interior consists mostly Of white flesh , flecked with tiny black seeds , surrounding A large central core . When ripe , the flesh is sweet And juicy , reminiscent Of kiwifruit , melon Or pear .

What are the 7 Classifications of a Cactus?

There are seven classifications of cacti: arborescent, columnar, cylindrical, leafy, low-growing, shrubby, and treelike. Arborescent cacti have a tree-like appearance and can grow to be over 20 feet tall. Columnar cacti are long and slender with a column-like shape.

Cylindrical cacti are round and have cylindrical stems. Leafy cacti have flattened stems that look like leaves. Low-growing cacti stay close to the ground and only grow a few inches tall.

Shrubby cacti have many branches and often look like small bushes. Treelike cacti are the tallest type of cactus and can grow up to 40 feet tall!

Are Succulents Epiphytes?

Yes, succulents are epiphytes. Epiphytic plants are those that grow on other plants or objects for support. They are not parasitic, but they do rely on other plants or objects for physical support.

Many succulents are epiphytic, which means they can grow on rocks, trees, or even power lines!

Rhipsalis and other epiphytic cacti 2020

Types of Jungle Cactus

Jungle cacti are a type of cactus that is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. There are over 100 species of jungle cacti, which makes them one of the most diverse groups of cacti in the world. Jungle cacti are known for their bright flowers and large, spiny leaves.

Some species of jungle cactus can grow to be over 20 feet tall! Jungle cacti are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on other plants or objects instead of directly in the ground. This allows them to get the moisture and nutrients they need from the air and rainwater.

Jungle cacti typically have shallow roots that spread out wide, making them very good at absorbing water from their environment. While most people think of desert when they think of cactus, jungle cactus are actually much more sensitive to drought than their desert-dwelling cousins. When the rains stop coming in the tropical rainforest, jungle cacti will quickly begin to suffer from dehydration.

This is why it’s important to make sure your jungle cactus has a constant supply of fresh water, especially during dry season. If you’re thinking about adding a jungle cactus to your home landscape, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, because they come from such a humid environment, it’s important to plant your jungle cactus in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage.

Second, be sure to give your jungle cactus room to spread out – remember those shallows roots! Finally, don’t forget to water regularly during dry season; even though they’re tough plants, jungles can’t survive without water just like any other living thing.

Epiphyte

An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant, typically without causing any harm to the host. Many epiphytes are vines or creepers that use the host plant for support, but some (such as mistletoe) are parasitic and can damage their hosts. Epiphytic plants are common in tropical rainforests, where they make up a significant portion of the vegetation.

Epiphytes have a number of adaptations that allow them to survive in their often- hostile environment. They typically have shallow root systems that spread out widely, allowing them to gather water and nutrients from a large area. Many epiphytes also have specialised structures, such as spines or waxy surfaces, that help them to cling onto their hosts or prevent them from being eaten by animals.

The vast majority of epiphytes are harmless to their hosts and actually provide a number of benefits. For example, many species help to stabilise the host plant and protect it from strong winds or erosion. Additionally, epiphytic plants can improve the health of their host by increasing air circulation and providing shade.

Floriferous Epiphytic Cacti

Epiphytic cacti are those that grow on other plants or surfaces. They are native to the Americas and can be found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. Many epiphytic cacti are flowering plants, and they are often quite showy.

One of the most well-known epiphytic cacti is the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), which is popular as a holiday plant. Christmas cacti typically have red, pink, or white flowers and bloom in late fall or winter. Another popular epiphytic cactus is the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri), which has showy red or pink flowers that bloom in springtime.

There are many other beautiful and interesting epiphytic cacti out there, so if you’re looking for something different for your home or garden, consider one of these amazing plants!

Orchid Cactus

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp.), also known as epiphytes, are a type of cactus that is commonly found growing on trees or other plants. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, and their flowers come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, purple, red, and orange. Epiphytic cacti are typically easy to care for and make great houseplants.

Conclusion

Epiphytic cacti are a type of cactus that grows on other plants or objects. They are not parasitic, but they do rely on their host for support. There are four main types of epiphytic cacti: climbing, columnar, leafy, and globular.

Climbing cacti have long, thin stems that allow them to wrap around their host plant. Columnar cacti have thick, upright stems that grow straight up. Leafy cacti have flat leaves that they use to collect water and nutrients from the air.

Globular cacti have round shapes and often grow in clusters. Epiphytic cacti are native to tropical regions of Central and South America. They can be found growing in trees, on rocks, or even on power lines!

These unique plants make great additions to any home or garden.