The species is commonly grown as an ornamental for its beautiful, fragrant flowers in the summer.

History F. Eichlam found this cacti in Guatemala and sent a living specimen to the U. S. which flowered in Washington on October 3, 1912.

This species is closely related to Epiphyllum oxypetalum and differs mainly in its smaller flowers.

Stems erect, later ascending becoming pendent, to 5 m long or more, woody at base, profusely branched, primary stems, terete for 80–150 cm, secondary stems and apical parts of primary stems flat (rarely 3-angled), elongated-lanceolate, terete at base, 10–60 cm long, 3–8,5 cm wide, acute to long acuminate, rather thick when mature, margins remotely toothed to indented, shallowly undulate or shallowly crenate; epidermis green.

Fruit ovoid, 2,5 cm thick, brilliant cerice, 5-7 angled, bracteoles few, ascending, pulp white, sweet, seeds minute, black.