That is what the species have in common

Leaf cacti are also known as epiphyllum or epi-cactus

The most famous species of the leaf cactus are the Christmas cactus and the Easter cactus. But there are a number of other species that even belong to different genera.

In nature, leaf cactus species live almost exclusively on the leaves of other plants. They are therefore called epiphytic. In the house, the non-frost-hardy cacti are usually grown as hybrids because they are more resistant.

The types of leaf cacti differ in the color and size of the flowers. Except for blue, all flower colors are represented. Depending on the species, the flowers can be up to 20 centimeters in size. Some species give off a strong scent. Leaf cactus species do not have spines or only very weakly.

Leaf cactus species do not tolerate drought well

In contrast to other types of cacti, the leaf cactus cannot cope with complete drought. It has to be watered regularly in summer. However, waterlogging must not occur.

Cactus soil is not suitable as a substrate because it does not contain enough nutrients. You should therefore plant a leaf cactus in special leaf cactus soil or put it together yourself from garden soil and sand.

Some species need several hours of darkness

When a young Leaf cactus does not bloom, that's quite normal. Most species do not bloom until they are several years old. They do not set flowers until they are five years old.

Some varieties of the leaf cactus need several hours of complete darkness every day after the flowering period, otherwise they will not flower. This includes the Schlumbergera variety.

In winter, leaf cacti must be kept cooler so that they can form flowers. If they are too warm all year round, they will not bloom. Even during the wintering you have to water leaf cacti, but the watering quantities are noticeably reduced so that the substrate is just barely moist.