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Orchid Cactus Love

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Epiphyllum pumilum

Earlier this year, I was lured into the world of Epiphyllum, also known as Orchid Cacti, and I quickly became a huge fan. It all started with an Epiphyllum ackermannii cutting I got as a freebie along with a plant order from EpiPlants on Etsy. I now have 16 different cultivars in my collection, and I look forward to the time when they eventually start blooming.

Epiphyllum — commonly called “orchid cacti” — are tropical forest cacti known for their dramatic flowers and flattened, leaf-like stems. Unlike desert cacti, they evolved in humid jungles of Central and South America, where many species grow attached to tree branches rather than rooted in dry ground.

What Orchid Cacti Look Like

Orchid cacti usually have:

  • Long, flattened green stems called cladodes that resemble thick leaves
  • Arching or trailing growth habits
  • Smooth or scalloped stem edges depending on species
  • Very small or nearly invisible spines
  • Epiphytic growth habits (many naturally grow on trees)

The stems can hang several feet long, making them popular in hanging baskets. Some species have deeply lobed stems, while hybrids may have broad paddle-like growth.

Unlike the stereotypical desert cactus, orchid cacti look lush, tropical, and almost vine-like.

What the Blooms Look Like

The flowers are the main attraction.

Orchid cactus blooms are often:

  • Huge — commonly 4–10 inches across
  • Highly fragrant in many species
  • Funnel-shaped or starburst-shaped
  • Extremely colorful

Colors include:

  • White
  • Pink
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Purple
  • Bi-colors and striped hybrids

Some species bloom only at night and are pollinated by moths or bats. Others bloom during the day.

One famous relative is Epiphyllum oxypetalum, often called the “Queen of the Night,” whose giant white flowers open for a single night and release a powerful sweet fragrance.

Many modern hybrids produce flowers so ornate they resemble orchids, which is where the common name “orchid cactus” comes from.

How Many Varieties Exist?

There are two ways to answer this:

True Species

Botanists recognize roughly 15–20 accepted wild species in the genus Epiphyllum, though classifications shift as taxonomy changes.

Examples include:

  • Epiphyllum oxypetalum
  • Epiphyllum anguliger
  • Epiphyllum guatemalense
  • Epiphyllum crenatum

Hybrids and Cultivars

This is where the numbers explode.

There are:

  • Thousands of registered hybrids
  • Decades of breeding by collectors and cactus societies
  • Endless flower color combinations and forms

Hybrid orchid cacti are especially popular because breeders selected for:

  • Larger blooms
  • More vivid colors
  • Repeat blooming
  • Daytime flowering
  • Compact growth habits

Some collectors maintain hundreds of named cultivars.

Care Needs

Orchid cacti are easier than many people expect once you understand they are jungle cacti, not desert cacti.

Light

They prefer:

  • Bright indirect light
  • Morning sun
  • Filtered light

Too much harsh afternoon sun can scorch stems.

A bright east-facing window or shaded patio is ideal.

Water

They need more water than desert cacti.

General rule:

  • Water when the top inch of mix dries slightly
  • Keep evenly moist during active growth
  • Reduce watering somewhat in winter

Avoid:

  • Bone-dry soil for long periods
  • Constant soggy conditions

Humidity

They appreciate moderate humidity because of their rainforest origins.

Ideal conditions:

  • 40–60% humidityDity or higher
  • Good airflow

Dry indoor air may reduce blooming.

Soil

Use a loose, airy mix with excellent drainage.

Good mixes often contain:

  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite
  • Coco coir or peat moss
  • Pumice or perlite
  • Small amounts of potting soil

Heavy cactus desert mixes are often too dry and mineral-heavy.

Temperature

Best range:

  • 55–80°F (13–27°C)

Many varieties benefit from:

  • Cooler nighttime temperatures in fall
  • Slight winter rest periods to encourage flowering

Most are not frost tolerant.

Fertilizer

Feed lightly during spring and summer.

A balanced or bloom fertilizer works well:

  • Monthly or biweekly at diluted strength

Too much nitrogen may produce stems but fewer flowers.

Blooming Tips

To encourage flowers:

  1. Give bright indirect light
  2. Avoid overpotting
  3. Provide slightly cooler nights in fall
  4. Reduce watering modestly in winter
  5. Let plants mature — some need a few years before blooming heavily

Once mature, healthy plants can produce dozens of blooms in a season.

Popular Types

Epiphyllum anguliger

Known for zigzag stems that resemble fish skeletons.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Large colorful hybrid flowers.

Disocactus ackermannii

Brilliant red flowers and trailing stems.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Night-blooming fragrant white flowers.

Why Collectors Love Them

Orchid cacti attract collectors because:

  • Flowers can be spectacularly large
  • Some blooms are intensely fragrant
  • Hybrids vary enormously
  • Plants are easy to propagate from cuttings
  • Mature hanging specimens become dramatic showpieces

A blooming orchid cactus can look almost unreal — huge tropical flowers emerging from simple green stems.

The African Milk Tree

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Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African Milk Tree, is a striking succulent often mistaken for a cactus, though it actually belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It’s popular as a houseplant because of its sculptural shape and relatively easy care.

🌍 Origins

Euphorbia trigona is native to central and western Africa, particularly regions like Cameroon. In its natural habitat, it grows in warm, semi-arid environments with plenty of sunlight. It has long been cultivated both locally and globally, so its exact wild origin range is a bit blurred by human propagation.

🌿 Appearance

This plant has a very distinctive look:

  • Growth form: Upright, columnar stems that branch upward, giving it a candelabra-like shape
  • Stems: Triangular (hence trigona), with ridges lined by small paired spines
  • Leaves: Small, oval leaves grow along the ridges; they’re usually green but can be reddish in some varieties
  • Color varieties:
    • Standard green
    • “Rubra” or “Royal Red” form with reddish stems and leaves

Although it resembles a cactus, it differs in structure and produces a milky white sap (latex), which is typical of spurges and can be irritating or toxic if handled improperly.

📏 How Tall Can It Get?

Height depends heavily on where it’s grown:

  • Indoors: Typically reaches 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m), though with time and good conditions it can grow taller
  • Outdoors (warm climates): Can reach 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) or more, forming a large shrub-like structure

It grows relatively fast compared to many succulents, especially with bright light and consistent care. When I bought my Euphorbia trigona in 2021, it was about 18 inches tall. One spring, it shot up about 2 feet, which I never expected. About a year and a half ago, a close friend and I decided to move it from my second-floor balcony to the side yard on the first floor. My reasoning was that it was almost 6 feet tall, and would be almost impossible to move from the balcony if it got much larger. As you can see in the photo, it is now 7-1/2 feet tall!

Easy Care Rat Tail Cactus

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The first rat tail cactus I ever bought. This has been on my balcony for 6 years and finally bloomed this year.

The rat tail cactus—scientifically known as Aporocactus flagelliformis—is a striking, easygoing cactus that stands out because it doesn’t look like the typical upright desert plant. It’s actually a trailing, almost vine-like cactus that’s popular as a hanging plant. I have had two specimens for a number of years, and one in particular has been quite full and happy. When they both decided to bloom recently, I became a big fan of them and added two more to my balcony collection.

🌵 Appearance

Rat tail cactus has long, slender stems that can grow several feet in length. These stems:

  • Are cylindrical and about ½–1 inch thick
  • Covered in fine, soft-looking spines (not as intimidating as many cacti)
  • Usually a medium to bright green color

As the plant matures, the stems spill downward, giving it that “rat tail” look—hence the name. It’s often grown in hanging baskets so the stems can cascade freely.

🌱 Growth Habit

Unlike many desert cacti, this one is naturally epiphytic or lithophytic, meaning it can grow:

  • On rocks
  • In crevices
  • Or even on trees in its native habitat (mainly Mexico)

Instead of growing upright, it:

  • Trails and drapes over containers
  • Produces lots of branching stems over time
  • Can become quite full and dramatic with age

It’s fast-growing compared to many cacti, especially during the warmer months.

This is the second rat tail cactus, in bloom

🌸 Blooms

When the rat tail cactus blooms, it really steals the show.

  • Flowers are bright pink to reddish-magenta
  • About 2–3 inches long
  • Tubular in shape, with layered petals that flare outward
  • Often appear along the sides of mature stems

Blooming typically happens in spring to early summer. A healthy, mature plant can produce many flowers at once, creating a vibrant cascade of color against the green stems. The blooms don’t last forever individually, but the plant may produce them in succession.

☀️ Care Guide

Light

  • Prefers bright, indirect light
  • Can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun
  • Too much harsh afternoon sun can scorch the stems

Water

  • Water when the top inch or two of soil dries out
  • During growing season (spring/summer): water regularly but don’t let it sit in water
  • In winter: reduce watering significantly

Overwatering is the most common mistake—this cactus still needs good drainage.

Soil

  • Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix
  • Adding perlite or sand improves drainage

Temperature

  • Thrives in warm conditions (65–80°F / 18–27°C)
  • Can tolerate slightly cooler temps in winter, but protect from frost

Humidity

  • Unlike desert cacti, it appreciates moderate humidity
  • Good airflow is still important

Fertilizer

  • Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer during spring and summer (about once a month)
  • Avoid feeding in fall/winter

Potting & Placement

  • Best grown in hanging baskets to show off trailing stems
  • Repot only when necessary—slightly root-bound is fine

🌿 Bonus Tips

  • To encourage blooming, give it a cooler, drier rest period in winter
  • You can propagate it easily from stem cuttings
  • If stems get too long or messy, they can be trimmed without harming the plant

Overall, the rat tail cactus is a great choice if you want something low-maintenance but visually dramatic—especially when those vivid pink flowers show up.

My Super-Senior Cats

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Tenshi, my 17-year-old boy

Shima, my 17-year-old girl

Back in April 2009, when I brought a 4-month-old male blue Burmese and a 3-week-old feral female silver spotted tabby into my home, I never thought that they both would still be around seventeen years later. It is a wonderful blessing, but having cats reach 17 years old is both beautiful and complicated. Over the past 17 years, I watched them grow up, and I have experienced so much joy from having them at my side through entire chapters of my life. Caring for them now is like looking after elderly family members. The routine, the vigilance, and the emotional weight are all different than when they were young.

The shift from “pet care” to “medical care”

Once cats reach their mid-teens, life often revolves around management:

  • special diets
  • supplements
  • medications
  • watching appetite, mobility, hydration, and litter box habits

Life with my two super-senior cats is a bit like running a tiny home clinic. I watch both Tenshi and Shima like a hawk, and monitor everything so that I can detect small changes quickly—how long they sleep, how they walk, whether they hesitate before jumping, how much they eat. When Tenshi developed arthritis throughout his body, and Shima developed a tendinopathy in her shoulder, I set up heated blanket in the living room to establish luxury retirement housing for them.

Every morning, I make sure to turn on that blanket, and they graciously spend the majority of the day staying nice and warm on it, boosting circulation and reducing stiffness. I also love the fact that they’re resting in a central room near me, rather than isolating themselves. Their propensity for being where the humans are is a positive behavior, both socially and emotionally.

I can’t help but worry when I see my super-senior cats’ frail little bodies, even though they are both pretty alert and active. Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) is very common in senior cats, who often lose muscle mass even when they’re cared for well. What matters more than weight alone is:

  • Are they eating consistently?
  • Are they grooming?
  • Do they respond to you?
  • Do they still show interest in toys or attention?

Both Tenshi and Shima could stand to eat more, but their appetites are consistent, and they are still very socially responsive. Tenshi still plays when I bring out toys, which is honestly one of the best indicators of quality of life. Play behavior means curiosity and engagement are still there. It surprises me when Tenshi leaps into the air to catch a toy, and I always praise him when he does.

The emotional side

One of the hardest parts of having elderly cats is the constant background awareness that time is finite. When they’re young, you assume there are years ahead. When they’re 17, every small health issue feels heavier. In fact, I lost one of my cats at the age of 14 when she suddenly became ill. She only made it through 5 days before she was gone. Because of the tenuous health status of elderly cats, I make sure to spend as much time as I can with Tenshi and Shima every single day.

Tenshi in particular seems to sense the need to seek maximum contact, almost like he wants to be touching me as much as possible while he sleeps. Over the past year, Tenshi has developed an adorable habit of wrapping himself around my neck like a scarf at night, and he is usually in the same spot when I awaken the next morning. This relatively new habit is such a classic “this human is mine” behavior, and I absolutely cherish it. I also understand that Tenshi also runs a lot colder because of lower body fat and slower metabolism, so being tucked against my neck is cozy and warm. He has even chosen to do this when the heated blanket is still powered on in the living room.

There are even some late nights and mornings when both Tenshi and Shima will pile up onto my chest and neck to cuddle. You can see how that looks here:

When a cat lies on your chest, a few things are happening at once:

Trust — the chest is a vulnerable place for both of you, so it’s a sign they feel completely secure.

Warmth and comfort — your body heat is like a living heated blanket.

Familiar scent and heartbeat — cats often find the rhythm of breathing and heartbeat calming.

When you live with very old cats, the care gets more involved, but the small moments feel bigger. A cat curling up on your chest, a little burst of play, the way they follow you with their eyes across the room—those things start to carry a lot of emotional weight. And honestly, having a 17-year-old cat sleeping around your neck like a scarf is incredibly tender. Frail or not, that’s a cat who clearly still feels very attached to his person. I’m truly honored to be Tenshi’s and Shima’s human.

Balcony Battles: How I Finally Won the War on Rats

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If you had told me last summer that my quiet little balcony would become the front line of a full-blown rodent war, I would have laughed. Yet there I was, by late September, locked in an ongoing ordeal with some of the boldest, most destructive rats I’ve ever encountered.

It started subtly—almost innocently. I would see one, maybe two rats joining in on morning squirrel feedings, and I thought they were amusing to watch. Then one morning I realized they had completely severed the lighting adaptor cord which fed the five LED lights in the relaxation fountain on my balcony. That was my first oh no, this is serious moment.

Things escalated quickly after that.

The rats somehow managed to get inside my four-burner propane grill. Imagine getting ready to heat up the grill, only to see a filthy rat scurrying across the grill rack. Needless to say, I quickly resorted to heating up the broiler to cook the steaks I had bought. Despite cleaning and disinfecting the grill, there was no way I would ever put food items on it, so it had to go. Getting rid of it turned into an event worthy of its own sitcom episode. One person had to climb a nine-foot ladder just to reach the balcony, while another lifted the bulky grill up and over the railing so it could be carefully lowered to the ground. All that effort… just to dispose of a grill that rats had claimed as real estate.

As the holidays approached, I hoped things might calm down. Nope. The rats decided to add seasonal flair to their destruction by chewing on one of my Christmas decorations. Festive, but not in the way I’d envisioned.

I tried to handle the rat situation responsibly. I put out bait stations filled with dextrose pellets, confident I was being strategic and humane. The rats, apparently unimpressed by my efforts, ignored the bait stations entirely and went straight for what they really wanted: my hummingbird feeder.

Not only did they attack it—they dismantled it. They chewed off the floral feeding spouts like tiny vandals with dental degrees. That was the moment I realized I needed to level up.

So I did.

I invested in a 76-inch-tall shepherd’s hook, a tube-style squirrel baffle, and a brand-new hummingbird feeder. I also installed ultrasonic deterrents across my balcony, turning it into what I can only assume sounded like an unwelcoming nightclub for rodents.

And finally… it worked.

After weeks of trial, error, frustration, and more than a little disbelief, my efforts paid off. The rats stopped coming. No more chewed cords. No more unwanted balcony guests. No more destruction.

There is one bittersweet consequence: the squirrels rarely visit now, especially since I had to stop morning feedings. I really miss them, especially the ones whom I could hand-feed. Those twitchy-tailed freeloaders were at least entertaining and mostly polite. But in the end, it’s a small price to pay.

The balcony is peaceful again. The rats are gone. And after everything they put me through, I can confidently say: victory has never felt so satisfying. 🐀🚫

The Quiet Power of a Turning Cycle

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Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of deep cleaning. Not the rushed, surface-level kind, but the slow, intentional kind. Drawers emptied. Closets reconsidered. Repairs finally handled instead of postponed. I bought a new comforter set. Shifted furniture. Made small but meaningful changes to the way my home feels when I walk into it.

On the surface, it looks like homemaking. But underneath, it feels like something much bigger.

The closest metaphor I can find is this: it’s as if I’m downloading an updated operating system for my brain. A new version of me. One that’s more streamlined, less cluttered, and better aligned with how I actually live now—not how I lived decades ago, or how I thought I was supposed to live.

In five months, I turn 60.

That number carries weight, whether we want it to or not. It’s a cultural milestone, but it’s also a personal reckoning. Sixty isn’t about decline—it’s about integration. It’s the age where experience stops being something you collect and starts being something you embody.

What makes this moment feel especially charged is the timing. Today marks the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, and I was born in a Fire Horse year—1966. In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse is associated with movement, freedom, independence, and raw life force. Add the Fire element, and you get intensity, passion, and transformation. Fire Horse energy is bold and uncompromising. It doesn’t tiptoe into the next chapter—it runs.

Fire Horse years are rare. They return only every 60 years.

So here I am, nearly 60, living through the same energetic signature that ushered me into the world. It feels like a full circle moment—less like starting over and more like completing a long arc. A spiral returning to its origin, but at a higher level of understanding.

That’s what the cleaning is really about.

I’m not just clearing dust. I’m clearing outdated assumptions. I’m repairing things I once ignored. I’m choosing comfort and beauty not as indulgence, but as necessity. My home is becoming a clearer reflection of who I am now—what I value, what I want to maintain, and what I’m ready to let go of.

There’s something deeply grounding about tending to your physical space when your inner landscape is shifting. It creates a dialogue between the visible and the invisible. Every repaired hinge, every refreshed corner, every intentional choice says: I’m paying attention. I’m here. I’m not rushing past this moment.

This doesn’t feel like crisis. It feels like calibration.

If life really does move in cycles, then this one feels like a completion—and an ignition at the same time. A moment to honor everything that brought me here, while clearing the runway for what comes next. The Fire Horse doesn’t look backward with regret or forward with fear. It stands firmly in its power, ready to move when the moment is right.

And maybe that’s what this season is asking of me—not to reinvent myself, but to arrive fully as myself, updated and awake, standing in a space I’ve consciously prepared.

A cycle completed. A fire still burning. 🐎🔥

Creativity Burst

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Ever since last October, my brain has been happily buzzing with ideas on how to express myself more in my home space. I’ve been in full-on maker mode—hands busy, ideas clicking, with that satisfying rhythm of “oh, I can fix this” and “wait… what if I tried this?” It makes sense to me, since crafts and repairs hit two different creative muscles: one playful and expressive, the other practical and problem-solving. When both are firing, I feel capable and curious at the same time, which is kind of a power combo.

What’s cool is that this kind of creative flow often feeds on itself. Finishing a repair makes me more confident, which makes me bolder with crafts, which makes me want to try something slightly weirder or more ambitious next. It’s like momentum I can feel in my hands. Of note is the situation I ran into in early December while putting Christmas decorations at my front door. There was an illuminated penguin with a top hat and scarf which I planned to juxtapose next to my penguin in a Santa hat, but I had waited an entire year after purchasing it in late december 2024 to display it. Instead of inspecting the components to ensure that everything would fit, I mistakenly assumed that there would be no issues, and I placed it on the shelf to use for Christmas 2025.

When I opened the box and attempted to assemble the penguin, I noticed that the construction was way off, and that it would be impossible to put it together unless I devised a creative solution. For several days, I honestly thought I would have to toss the decoration in the trash, but I had a flash of insight while putting up other decorations. Instead of fretting over the fact that the connecting poles were far too long for the height of the penguin, I aligned the poles alongside each other, used duct tape to keep them at the proper length, then assembled the penguin. Since the poles are inside the body of the penguin, and not visible, the duct tape was not an issue. Problem solved, and in a creative way!

My other holiday-themed creative triumph was my Nightmare Before Christmas–themed tree? The tree offered a perfect blend of spooky, nostalgic, and whimsical, while honoring one of my favorite films. It was a great way to repurpose a small tree that had previously been decorated in a very traditional fashion. I got rid of my woodland creature ornaments that used to adorn the tree, and came up with a theme that felt completely congruent with what I was passionate about. Jack Skellington would absolutely approve.

A more recent problem to solve was to create ambient lighting in my living room which would complement the existing ambient lighting. I ended up placing up lights on the floor by the entertainment center which are dimmable, creating even more of a relaxing vibe. They are subtle, but they carry the kind of impact and mood I was seeking.

Deep Cleaning and Decluttering

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Over this recent period, I’ve been intentionally tending to my home as a way of tending to myself. Each task I completed was not just about cleaning or organizing, but about restoring a sense of peace, agency, and care in my daily life. Moving through these spaces with purpose helped me reconnect with myself and reminded me that small, consistent acts can be deeply healing.

I began by decluttering and reorganizing existing storage, including carefully sorting through holiday ornaments and letting go of items that no longer served me. Releasing what I didn’t need created both physical space and emotional breathing room. At the same time, I chose to bring in gentle moments of joy, like adding new Christmas stockings for the cats — a small but meaningful expression of warmth, playfulness, and love that made my home feel more alive and personal.

I spent time thoughtfully organizing my makeup and fragrances, transforming what had once felt scattered into something intentional and inviting. This shift made my daily routines feel more like rituals of self-respect rather than obligations. I also worked through closets throughout the home — the bedroom, master closet, gym closet, laundry area, and other storage spaces — cleaning, sorting, and creating systems that feel sustainable. With each cleared shelf and reorganized space, I felt a growing sense of clarity, stability, and confidence.

Alongside this inner and outer clearing, I made practical upgrades that supported my well-being. Refreshing the bedroom with new comforter sets transformed it into a space of comfort and rest, a place where I can truly recharge. I also deep-cleaned the master bathroom and other key areas, restoring them as calm, supportive spaces for daily care and grounding.

Altogether, this work has been an act of self-affirmation. By caring for my environment with intention, I reinforced the belief that I deserve a home that supports me, comforts me, and reflects who I am becoming. As my space has grown more organized, warm, and intentional, I’ve felt lighter, steadier, and more empowered in my life. This process has reminded me that tending to my surroundings is a meaningful way of honoring my own growth and well-being.

Hanging With A Couple Of Favorite Candle Scents

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Fir & Firewood by Capri Blue is the ultimate Christmas tree scent!

As a self-proclaimed scented candle fanatic, I have definitely selected some fragrances which are favorites. Two of my favorites are actually promoted and sold as holiday candles, but I use them year-round because they don’t scream Christmas like some aromatic varieties do. The two limited-edition holiday candles with which I can honestly say I am obsessed are Nest’s Blue Cypress & Snow, and Fir & Firewood by Capri Blue.

Blue Cypress & Snow is described as: “Create the aroma of a snow-covered mountain retreat in winter with NEST New York’s candle collection, featuring notes of crisp blue cypress, juniper berry, and hints of smoked vanilla bean.” What does it smell like? Fresh woods, nestled in cozy, warm vanilla. I don’t even like the smell of vanilla, but this combination is absolutely beautiful. I think it’s a bit heavy for the middle of summer, but it absolutely works any other time of the year. Although Nest only sells this one during the holiday season, there are other stores which sell this for a good portion of the year.

Fir & Firewood is described in this way: “Fruity, green aroma of apple, clove, fir, pine needle, white birch, cedar, vetiver, and musk.” The fruit and clove mellow out the sharpness of the pine, birch and cedar, resulting in the ultimate Christmas tree scent. It’s definitely festive, but the scent profile works for anyone who likes forest type, woody aromas. This one is hard to find, but worth the effort to dig up.