How to Grow and Care for Lepismium Cruciforme

Lepismium cruciforme, sometimes called the Hurricane Cactus, has long, trailing stems that are flat and segmented. These stems often weave together, creating a wind-blown look, and can be triangular or even square-shaped. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, this plant is an epiphytic jungle cactus, meaning it naturally grows on other trees instead of in the ground.

Lepismium Cruciforme Care Guide

This jungle cactus thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to what it would receive under a rainforest canopy. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun is an excellent location. This less intense light can help develop desirable reddish tones on the stems, while harsh, direct afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the stems, leading to brown or red patches that indicate stress.

Lepismium cruciforme requires an airy, well-draining soil mixture, unlike the sandy soil for desert cacti. Its roots need excellent air circulation to prevent rot. A suitable potting medium combines standard potting soil with generous amounts of orchid bark and perlite. This blend ensures water drains freely while allowing air to reach the roots.

This plant needs more frequent watering than a desert cactus but is sensitive to constantly wet soil. Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain completely from the pot. Before watering again, ensure the top one to two inches of soil have dried out. You may need to water as often as once a week during the spring and summer growing season, reducing frequency in the fall and winter.

This cactus prefers temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). As a rainforest native, it appreciates higher humidity than is found in many homes. If your air is dry, increase moisture by misting the plant a few times a week or placing its pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Good air circulation is also beneficial for preventing fungal issues.

During the growing season from spring through summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 ratio, once a month, diluted to half or quarter strength. Cease fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows for dormancy.

How to Propagate Lepismium Cruciforme

Propagation is best done with stem cuttings during the spring and summer growing season. Select a healthy, mature stem segment at least three to four inches long and free from any signs of damage or disease. Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut to remove the segment from the parent plant.

Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus by placing it in a dry, warm location away from direct sunlight for a few days. This step is important for preventing the cutting from rotting when planted. Once the end is dry to the touch, it is ready for rooting.

You can root the calloused cutting in either soil or water. For soil rooting, insert the calloused end about an inch deep into a pot with a well-draining cactus mix and keep it lightly moist. For water rooting, place the cutting in a jar of water, submerging only the very bottom of the stem to prevent rot.

Place the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light. Roots should form within a few weeks, and new growth is a sign of success. During this time, maintain careful watering to help the cutting establish itself. Once a healthy root system develops, you can provide regular care.

Encouraging Blooms

This plant produces small, delicate, whitish-pink star-shaped flowers along the edges of its stems. Flowering occurs in spring or summer, and after the blooms fade, they may be followed by small, red, berry-like fruits.

To encourage blooms, simulate its native environment by providing a distinct winter resting period. This involves reducing watering frequency, which mimics the drier conditions of a tropical winter. Allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings than during the growing season.

Cooler temperatures during this winter rest also help trigger flowering. If possible, move the plant to a location that is around 10-15°C (50-60°F), but still above freezing. This combination of reduced water and cooler temperatures signals the plant to prepare for blooming.

When spring arrives, resume your regular care routine. Increase watering and move the plant back to a warmer spot with bright, indirect light. This shift from a cool, dry rest to warm, moist conditions often stimulates the plant to produce buds.

Common Problems and Solutions

Mushy, soft, or yellowing stems are classic signs of overwatering and potential root rot. To check, remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and light-colored, while rotten roots will be brown, mushy, and may have a foul odor. Trim away any affected roots with sterile scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry, well-draining soil.

Shriveled or wrinkled stems indicate the plant is not receiving enough water. While somewhat drought-tolerant, it should not be left completely dry for long periods. If you notice wrinkling, water the plant thoroughly, and the stems should plump back up within a day or two.

This plant is resistant to pests but can be affected by mealybugs and scale, which often hide in the joints between stem segments. Treat minor infestations by dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For more widespread issues, an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray is an effective treatment.