Dear Jim,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program with your question.

That is a lot of stems! One of the many common names for this type of cactus is orchid cactus. They are known for their beautiful blooms which are very short-lived. These plants produce stems that can become very long and consequently very heavy. You can support these stems with a variety of methods but that may be difficult and unsightly with the large number of long stems. The stems can be cut off or shortened. New shoots will develop below the cut region on the stem. It is best to prune the stems after flowering or in the spring (so now is a good time). Pruning the stems can encourage the plant to become fuller and may result in decreased water requirements. The removed stems can be used as cuttings to grow new plants.

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/

Will the stems get wider and flower??

Dear Jim,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program with your question.

The leaf like structures on your cactus are actually secondary stems called cladodes. The flower buds form in the indentations on the margins of the cladodes. Trimming the stems will encourage new shoots below the trim cuts and can result in new cladodes. There are many factors that play a role in creating favorable conditions for blooms (light, water, age of plant, if the plant is pot bound). A period of dormancy or rest during the winter months helps promote blooming. The attached link has information on general care of orchid cactus.

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/epiphyllum-oxypetalum/