Scott Cohen’s “Friendship Plants”: Why Epiphyllums Are Worth Sharing

Scott Cohen has always had a soft spot for plants with personality, but epiphyllums hold a special place in his collection. Often called “Orchid Cactus,” epiphyllums are famous for their spectacular blooms, with flowers that can look almost too exotic to be real. As a member of the Epiphyllum Society of America, Scott has access to rare and unusual varieties, including special named hybrids and hard-to-find colors that are not commonly available at garden centers.

One of the most fascinating things about epiphyllums is that their exact flower color and form can only be reliably reproduced from cloned cuttings. Seeds may produce interesting surprises, but they will not create an exact duplicate of the parent plant. That means the best way to preserve a special flower is to grow it from a cutting, making each shared piece a living continuation of the original plant.

Scott loves sharing epiphyllum cuttings with clients and friends, and he refers to them as “friendship plants” because they are so easy to pass along. A single cutting can become a treasured plant, and eventually, that plant can be shared again.

“I love receiving photos this time of year from old friends and clients that I have shared cuttings with in the past. I get a real thrill seeing these amazing blooms bringing them joy.”

Epiphyllums are relatively easy to grow when given the right conditions. They prefer bright, filtered light rather than harsh afternoon sun. Morning sun or dappled shade is usually ideal. They like a fast-draining potting mix, similar to an orchid or cactus blend, but with enough organic material to hold a little moisture. Water deeply, then allow the mix to partially dry before watering again. During the active growing season, a balanced fertilizer or bloom-supporting fertilizer can help encourage strong growth and flowering. In winter, they generally prefer a little less water and cooler conditions, which can help set buds for spring blooms.

The reward is worth the patience. Mature epiphyllums can produce large, dramatic flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, white, purple, and blended tones. Most blooms last only a very short time, which makes the show feel even more special.