Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Also known as German Empress · German Empress Cactus · Giant Empress
Disocactus phyllanthoides is a epiphytic cactus with flattened, leaf-like stems and prolific pink flowers, native to Mexican cloud forests.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect Light
75% intensity
Prefers bright conditions but avoid direct, harsh sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings, less in winter.
Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal between 18-24°C. Cooler (10-15°C) in winter encourages blooming.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season, use diluted cactus fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or damaged stems, or encourage branching. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears. Pruning can be done anytime, but is best after flowering to avoid removing potential blooms.
Discard pruned pieces responsibly.
Propagate from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Keep slightly moist and warm until roots form. This is best done in spring or early summer.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Use a well-draining cactus mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one. Repot in spring, before active growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cactus (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
Where Cactus (Disocactus phyllanthoides) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Disocactus |
| Species | Disocactus phyllanthoides |
Similar in genus Disocactus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
