Orchid Cactus

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ascott13 Fredonia, NY Aug 05, 2009

I have a unknown hybrid of epiphylum. I got it around four years ago, and when I got it it was blooming. Since then I have only had it bloom one time, and that was this year. I only had one flower, but it was enormous, and quite beutifull. I had good luck with these when I lived at home , but since I moved into an apartment 7 years ago, I have not had good luck. I follow the care instructions. Feed and water regularly during summer, keep dry and in shaded spot during winter with no fertilizer till buds form in spring. Any suggestions?

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Cerahipp Hobart, Australia Aug 18, 2009

Hi Ascott13, Ephiphyllums are strict SHORT-DAY plants. That means that they flower only when grown in short day-lengths To be more scientifically correct, they make a hormone during the NIGHT that makes them flower provided the night is long enouigh.
Even a short burst of a few minutes light during the night destroys some of the flowering hormone.
To make them flower grow them in a warm room that is hardly ever used so the light is seldom switched on, and they get their LONG-NIGHT.
We flower ours in a guest bathroom and hope guests don't have too many long showers!

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tommyr2006 Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a) Aug 18, 2009

I would also try keeping them outdoors into fall for the cooler temps as that can also trigger bud formation. Like it does on Christmas and thanksgiving cactuses. Never fails for me.

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