[2] The species of the genus Disocactus grow as epiphytes or lithophytes and are shrubby, profusely branched, hanging, up to 3 m long.

The flowers are funnel-shaped or tubular, sometimes zygomorphic and rarely wheel-shaped, receptacular tube curved, embraced by foliaceous scales or 1–few bristles 3–5 mm long.

They are bright red, orange, slightly reddish pinkish-orange, light yellow in color, or white.

The stamens are asymmetrically grouped along the lower side of the throat of the perianth; the style is exserted, 9–13 cm long with 8–9 stigma lobes.

[3][4] As of March 2021[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[5] The boundaries of the genera in the tribe Hylocereeae have been subject to considerable change and uncertainty, which is reflected in the number of names which have been used for Disocactus:[1]