Orchid cactus is a popular houseplant , while dragon cacti are cultivated mainly for their fruit . Although they belong to the same crime syndicate of succulent , there are pronounced differences when it comes to their originate conditions . register on and find out what our enquiry uncover .
Orchid cacti and dragon fruits are closely related plants with similar characteristic and origins . Their dispute lie down in promiscuous , piddle , temperature , and soil requirements which are base on the specific variety .
The article admit a comprehensive account of their basic differences in terms of appearance , plant profile , and produce condition . We further aim to make the specialisation to help you decide which plant you favour and which is most appropriate for your home .
Origin And Plant Profile
Orchid Cacti (Epiphyllum)
orchidaceous plant cacti , commonly referred to as epis , are treasured and well - sought specimen because of their elegant and attractive bloom with vivacious color of blank , red , orange , pinkish , purple , and yellow .
Although it belongs to the cactus mob , it is originally from thetropicalrainforests of Central America , take in it averse to the teetotal weather condition of the desert .
Epis are considered aerophyte ( non - parasitical ) which are known to develop on the trunks and branches of trees and modernise aery roots that absorb weewee and food from the humid surround rather than acquiring it from its host .
They develop long and flat but non - briery stem . you may apprize them substantially when they are produce in hang container . This will allow the stem and flowers to shower and produce an attractive backdrop or high spot .
Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus)
Dragon fruit , also known aspitahaya , produces tasty pink fruits as well as fragrant snowy flowers that only bloomovernight . Native to tropic jungles of American neighborhood , they do not come well with the waterless weather condition of the desert .
They have retentive and blockheaded spinous stems that form aerial stem , which they use to surmount on plants and structures within their proximity . Mature Draco yield can reach up to 20 invertebrate foot tall and is considered invasive in some areas , especially in Florida .
Succulent Care
The section includes a comparison between their growing prerequisite .
How Do Orchid Cactus And Dragon Fruit Differ For Light Requirements?
In their natural home ground , orchid cactus farm under the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree canopy ; that ’s why they thrive good in filtered sunlight . Direct light source will scorch its leaves as well as feign its flower output . Inadequate photograph results in leggy and fragile prow .
Outdoors , you could plant them on branches of tree to replicate their grow environment , or you could find a shaded region near other large works that are exposed to the dawn luminosity .
Indoors , it is idealistic for placing containerized plants near an eastern United States - facing windowpane so that they can receive enough morning sunlight .
As a phallus of the cactus family , tartar fruit plant fly high good in full sunlight . They can tolerate partial spook , but the yield and bloom production will not be as abundant . It grow rapidly , and the heavy stems tend to spread and scale nearby structures , trees , and other plants .
Pick a sunny spot in your yard or garden and grow the Draco fruit next to a strong trellis or lattice documentation . It would be advisable to plant it at a considerable space from your house or any component of the landscape painting .
The plant may be grown indoors in medium or large container next to a windowpane with adequate sunshine . You need to turn over the pot occasionally to ensure that all parts receive adequate exposure .
Do Orchid Cactus And Dragon Fruit Need Identical Soil Conditions?
Since epis roots are sensitive to excessively succinct even garden soils , they are best grown in containers or pots . As much as possible , you should keep the potting mix wanton , well - draining , and acidic .
A combination of organic and inorganic materials make the ideal growing mass medium . Peat moss and compost make an acid as well as nutrient - full-bodied environs , while perlite , pumice , and coco chips promote better aeration and drain .
Dragon fruit cacti are noted to tolerate most soil eccentric and ground condition in the wilderness . However , fertile soil deep in constituent subject will optimize its ontogenesis , development , and yield and blossom yield .
Adding a level of mulch or compost around the stand of the plant would render a consistent generator of beneficial nutrients while hold moisture and moderating grease temperature .
Since they grow and grow more speedily on the ground , it is potential to keep them indoors in large , well - enfeeble container . A intermixture of garden soil , compost , coarse sand , and perlite would provide an idealistic medium that drains well and is rich in constitutional affair .
DoOrchid Cactus And Dragon FruitNeed The Same Amount Of Water?
Overwatering can kill the plant . If the soil is too damp , the leaves will sour sensationalistic and eventually wilt .
Unlike traditional cacti and succulents , epismust be watered regularly , peculiarly during the growing time of year . The full way to provide the plant with adequate hydration is to keep the base moist at all time . train if the first two inches of the topsoil are ironic in between hydration .
Reduce watering frequence in the winter to keep the proliferation of flora diseases .
The particular species slightly differs from other cacti in that it has comparatively high piddle requirements , specially during the flowering phase . They should be watered on a regular basis once the blooms appear up until the fruits are harvested .
tartar fruit plant are tropic cacti as differentiated from desert miscellany which thrive in dry , sandy soil .
on a regular basis monitor the topsoil to determine if your flora needs hydrating ; once the upper two - inch layer feels dry to the jot , it is time to irrigate your plant . Reduce the frequency during previous capitulation up to the remnant of winter and amend with mulch to moderate wet .
How Do Temperature And Humidity Affect Orchid Cactus And Dragon Fruit Succulents?
aboriginal to the rain forest , the plant life does not stick out temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit . It is best grown in USDA hardiness geographical zone 10 and 11 .
During the dusty months , it is just to keep epis indoors to protect them from wintertime frost .
You should place it in a humid area inside your family away from cold draughts , heater , and furnace . After sunset , keep the lights off so that the plant will be able to develop flowers during the spring .
Originally from the American tropic region , flying dragon yield should be grown in areas with a sunny environment and warm climate . It can not subsist frigid condition and prefers temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit .
If you are inhabit in regions with colder climates , it is preferable to raise them indoors and overwinter the plants in greenhouse or cold skeleton . you may befog the foliage to keep the right amount of humidness .
How To Fertilize Orchid Cactus And Dragon Fruit?
In its natural grow environs , the dirt has low nutrient tier . However , it is good to feed in the plant a few times a year with a balanced fertilizer that has low nitrogen ( N ) content .
Too much atomic number 7 encourage folio formation rather than flower yield . A fertilizer with a2 - 10 - 10nutrient combining provide the plant with adequate nutrients and helps with bloom ontogenesis .
Dragon fruits require large quantity of fertilizer and prefer to be feed on a regular basis during their first year . Once they become established , the plant life will fare well without unceasing eating .
However , you might occasionally need to remediate the soil with compost and organic materials such as tree leaves , grass trimming , worm castings , and peat moss peat moss .
Are Succulents Easy To Propagate?
You could easily propagate orchid cactus through stem cutting . It is necessary to choose a healthy theme and cut it diagonally at least nine inches in length . Let the injury harden and heal for at least one to two weeks before planting to prevent disintegration .
afterwards , make a cactus potting commixture and insert the cuttings in the turn metier . Do not water at once . alternatively , you’re able to start out by misting the plant . Once the roots emerge and start to form , you could start water the cutting .
Dragon Fruit can be propagated through root cuttings as well . The only conflict is that the plant can be directly introduce in the potting mix without hold back for the lesion to harden and mend .
Ideally , you must cut stem at least 10 to 12 inches long to ensure the works will survive and grow . Hydrate afterward and place the container in a mottled location for at least a week type O rent the plant adapt to its new environment .
Do Succulents Need To Be Pruned?
Although epis are slow - mature cactus , they develop large and long stem that make it difficult for the plant to endorse itself . clip off lengthy portions and use them for propagation .
Considered invading in some regions , dragon yield should be pruned regularly to hold in its increment . occasional clipping is also necessary to keep up right aeration , forbid proliferation of pests and diseases , push adequate light penetration and promote bloom production .
So How Does An Orchid Cactus And Dragon Fruit Differ?
Ca n’t be grown straightaway on the ground
Can be grown directly in the soil and containers
Is An Orchid Cactus A Succulent?
Orchid cactus is a succulent and belong to the cactus family . Although the plant can store water in its leaves , it want frequent hydration , and the soil is not allow to be wholly parched .
In Closing
Although orchid cactus and dragon yield go to the cactus kin and have like characteristic , both species differ in terms of their pet growing weather . We trust the article helped you differentiate between the two species .
You might also find these topic helpful :
Can Succulents go From Too Much Rain ?
Are Snake Plants succulent ?
