Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Cactaceae
Epiphyllum chrysocardium
VAT included · plus
Quick overview of our standard shipping rates, free-shipping thresholds and typical transit times for the countries we currently serve. Remote-area surcharges for certain postcodes are added automatically at checkout where applicable.
For full details, winter shipping rules and packaging information, please visit our Shipping & Delivery page.
| Country | Shipping | Free from | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Belgium | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Bulgaria | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Croatia | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Cyprus (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Czechia | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Denmark (¹) | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Estonia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Finland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| France (¹) | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Germany | € 8.95 | € 70 | 1–2 working days |
| Greece (¹²) | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Hungary | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Ireland | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Italy (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Latvia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Lithuania | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Luxembourg | € 12.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Malta (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Netherlands | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Poland | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Portugal (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Romania | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovakia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovenia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Spain (¹) | € 14.95 | € 125 | 2–4 working days |
| Sweden | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Switzerland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
Notes
- ¹ Island / remote-area surcharge: added automatically at checkout for affected postcodes, including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Faroe Islands, Azores, Madeira, Balearic Islands, and selected Greek island postcodes. Canary Islands: we currently do not ship there.
- ² Cyprus, Greece & Malta: delivery is possible, but courier reliability can vary; arrival times and plant condition cannot be guaranteed. Our 28-day guarantee does not apply to plants shipped to these destinations due to unpredictable transit times.
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Epiphyllum chrysocardium
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~25–40% dry
Potting mix
Airy + fast-draining • Light moisture buffer • Bark-based • Medium-chunky
Temperature
Ideal: 18–28 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Growth habit
epiphytic cactus, trailing
Support
optional
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. trail length: 180 cm • Max. spread: 150 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic; spines – physical injury risk
Origin & habitat
Mexico (Tabasco, Chiapas); seasonally dry tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
Epiphyllum chrysocardium – Rare Fernleaf Cactus for Tropical Displays
Epiphyllum chrysocardium Alexander is a spectacular epiphytic cactus native to the humid forests of southern Mexico, particularly Chiapas and Tabasco. Known as the Fernleaf Cactus or Golden Heart Epiphyllum, it grows in the canopy as a climbing or trailing plant with dramatic, deeply lobed phylloclades that resemble jungle ferns. Unlike desert cacti, it thrives in warm, filtered light and consistent moisture – making it an ideal centerpiece for bright interiors, terrariums, or hanging planters.
Taxonomy and Natural Range of Epiphyllum chrysocardium
- Accepted Name: Epiphyllum chrysocardium Alexander
- Published in: Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles) 28(1): 4 (1956)
- Synonyms: Selenicereus chrysocardium (Alexander) Kimnach; Marniera chrysocardium; Chiapasophyllum chrysocardium
- Family: Cactaceae, tribe Hylocereeae
- Native Habitat: Epiphytic in cloud forest canopy (Chiapas, Tabasco – Mexico)
What Makes the Fernleaf Cactus Unique
- Fern-like Appearance: Broad, flat phylloclades with deep, rounded lobes that trail or arch elegantly.
- Nocturnal Blooms: Under ideal conditions, it produces large, white, night-blooming flowers with golden-hued stamens.
- Safe Indoors: Not listed as toxic to pets or humans.
How to Care for Epiphyllum chrysocardium Indoors
- Light Needs: Bright, filtered light is ideal. Avoid harsh sun, which can scorch the phylloclades.
- Watering: Keep soil lightly moist; let the top layer dry slightly before rewatering. Never let it sit in water.
- Humidity: Prefers 60%+ but adapts to normal indoor air. Use a humidifier or group with other plants if needed.
- Temperature: Best grown between 18 – 27 °C. Protect from cold drafts and frost.
- Soil Mix: Use a well-aerated blend: orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of coco coir or peat.
- Fertilizing: Apply diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Propagation and Growth Tips
- Stem Cuttings: Take a segment of phylloclade, let it callous for 2 – 3 days, then place in moist, airy substrate.
- Pruning: Trim long or sparse growth to encourage a fuller shape and better light penetration.
- Hydroponic Adaptability: Can be grown in semi-hydro systems if kept humid and stable.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Wrinkled or limp phylloclades: Usually due to underwatering or excessive drying. Adjust your routine gradually.
- Yellowing: Often from overwatering or stagnant soil. Ensure good drainage and ventilation.
- Pests: Mealybugs or spider mites may occur – treat early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Creating a Jungle-Like Setup
To replicate its natural cloud forest habitat, combine Epiphyllum chrysocardium with other tropical epiphytes in a bright, humid space. Hanging planters, mounted boards, or moss-filled baskets all suit its cascading growth. Avoid heavy clay pots or dense soils – this plant prefers to breathe.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Epiphyllum means "upon the leaf" in Greek, referencing the flattened, leaf-like stems (phylloclades) of the genus. The species epithet chrysocardium is derived from Greek: chrysos = “gold” and kardia = “heart,” a nod to the golden center of its blooms.
Bring Home Epiphyllum chrysocardium
Add this architectural, fern-like cactus to your collection and transform your indoor space with its tropical presence. Easy care, rare form, and unforgettable blooms – this one’s a keeper.
FAQs about Epiphyllum chrysocardium
Plant Care Basics:
- Care basics – Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week – Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light – How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering – When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots – Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity – When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing – Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests – Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro – How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
Choose options
Epiphyllum chrysocardium
Sale price€24,00
Cactaceae
VAT included · plus Shipping costs
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Epiphyllum chrysocardium
Quick Care Guide
Light
Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux
Watering
Water when ~25–40% dry
Potting mix
Airy + fast-draining • Light moisture buffer • Bark-based • Medium-chunky
Temperature
Ideal: 18–28 °C • Avoid below: 10 °C
Growth habit
epiphytic cactus, trailing
Support
optional
Growth speed
Average
Max size indoors
Max. trail length: 180 cm • Max. spread: 150 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic; spines – physical injury risk
Origin & habitat
Mexico (Tabasco, Chiapas); seasonally dry tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
