Lepismium cruciforme is a unique epiphytic cactus with flattened, segmented stems, native to South America. It's a low-maintenance, trailing plant.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter.
Well-draining cactus mix
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-25°C. Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in winter, but protect from frost.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring/summer).
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Lepismium cruciforme moderately during the growing season (spring/summer), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, providing only enough to prevent the pseudobulbs from shriveling. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Prune Lepismium cruciforme to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged stems, or control its size. Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
Pruning can be done at any time, but is best performed in spring or early summer before active growth begins. New growth will emerge from cut points.
Propagate Lepismium cruciforme from stem cuttings. Take cuttings of 10-15 cm length, allow the cut end to callus over for a few days to a week. Then, plant the callused end into a well-draining potting mix.
Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks in warm conditions.
Repot Lepismium cruciforme every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting is best done in spring as new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Lepismium Cruciforme (Lepismium cruciforme)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Lepismium |
| Species | Lepismium cruciforme |
Similar in genus Lepismium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
