How Old Is “too Old” For An Epiphyllum Oxypetallum?

Question

I’ve had an Epiphyllum plant for about 25 years. Last year I took many cuttings from it because it was getting so huge. This year, what I’m seeing is that it has many, many very old “woody” looking stems, not as lush – of course, because I started so many new plants. The broader stems that remain have tiny little bulbous “nodule” type growths that appear to be either more stems coming out. Or flowers? I know flowers grow mostly on older stems. Last year my plant flowered in January – a very small flower, about 2inches less wide than usual (usually 7 to 9 inches wide/long). And, of course, there are some very lengthy straight stems because they spent too long in the room with less light before getting moved to a sunnier window. I’m asking my question about its age because it simply looks like a less vigorous young plant. Honestly, I’ve never kept a plant alive for this many years, I don’t seem to find info/questions from others who wonder if their plant is too old. How long do these plants live, and what should I expect from it? Just keep taking cuttings to produce more? I’ve been giving them away. Should I keep at least one more?

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Answer 1

I have read they can live in excess of 50 years, but keep propagating! The flowers are produced in the stem margins. Here is more on their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/epiphyllum/epiphyllum-plant-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/epiphyllum/epiphyllum-varieties.htm