Epiphyllum seedlings

I couldn't take the wait any longer, plus I knocked off the seed pod while moving my epiphyllum. I was amazed to see that the seeds had germinated within the pod. I guess this makes sense for a plant which normally received little rainfall. I have potted up the seedlings now. I was just wanting to know more about epis. Will all of the seedlings be different? Different flower colors, etc? How common is it to get seeds from an epi? Has anyone got experience with growing them from seeds? How long does it take for them to flower? Here's a photo of the seed pod opened to show the germinated seedlings.

Could be, they could have several different fathers, how many other Epi did you have in flower at the same time? Or did it self? Suggestion:
I would # each seedling with 1-1000 when they flower write down measurements. Color, the date they opened. Also write down the date of their birth. That is how Bob Schick kept his records for the past 25 years. Transplant them into the smallest pots available, If you need a seed starter pots I will mail one to you, this is what the pros use. They didn't cost me anything, so I'm more than happy to send it on to you. Norma

Boy, Studley! how wonderful to have these seeds. I would think that the seedlings color would depend a lot on the parents that were crossed. You may not get any alike, depending on dominant and recessive traits.
How old is the plant that developed this seed pods? Like I told you on chat, I am just getting into the epiphyllums.

I probably had 2 or 3 blooming at the same time at my garden center. However, it also could have self pollinated. I have no idea. I just noticed the pod forming months after blooming. It also could have been pollinated by the same clones blooming at the same time. I have them transplanted into 6 cells (806 packs) with 1 or 2 to a cell. I doubt I'll be able to number and grow them all out. I will probably keep the strongest or trade them away eventually. Who knows? I am still trying to figure out how unique they are. Have you a link to a website about Bob Schick. I have never heard of him.

Does anyone have any more input about epis?

Bob Shick hybridizes Echinopsis. They are sold at the Huntington Gardens, if you go to their website, it may have some information on the man himself. He lives here in my San Fernando Valley, he is a charming man. His speciality is spiders, he has written books on the subject. He was at our meeting tonight, let me know what you would like to know about him. I know I have something in writing someplace. Norma

Studley, Have any of your seeds germinated?

I have just completed a little greenhouse. I have put my epi starts out there and wonder how moist I can keep them?

edited for spelling

This message was edited Mar 23, 2004 8:08 PM

They had already germinated inside the pod. I just plucked them out and pottedthem up into 6-cell packs. I put about 2 seedlings per cell. Some have died. It was tricky to extract them from the gel like stuff they were growing in without breaking the roots. I have mine relegated to a corner of the greenhouse and I keep them moist, but let the surface dry down between watering. They are growing.
Kathy, are your starts seedlings or cuttings?

Here is a link with a variety of epiphyllum. http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Epiphyllum.html

I got a variety of cuttings from E-Bay. They were already starting to sprout new growth before I moved them to the greenhouse.
Should I fertilize? If so , with what?
Studley , how many babies did you end up with do you think?
I'm keeping mine on the bottom shelf thinking they shouldn't get so much sun as everything else?
Can they get too hot?

Kathy, I fertilize my larger ones regularly. As for babies, I planted up around 100 and threw out just as many. I keep my larger epis at the top of my greenhouse where it is easily 85F+ on warm days and in good strong sun. If yours are acclimated to your greenhouse, some good light won't hurt them. I do see some sunburn on them, but it's the only place I have for such unruly growing critters.

If you go to epiuniverse.com you can email Jim. He crosses and sells seeds. Or go to epies.net and email Pat.

The seeds I planted didn't come up. If you email me I'll try am scan some pages out of my old epi book (1946).

Remember folks, I have zig-zag Epi for you, I have been starting cuttings. So if you want them please just send the postage. When I run out, I'm out of them. Don't mail postage until the weather if good for you. How long does each cutting need to be to take root? If they can be short I can start some more. Norma

How much postage? Put me on the list please. I think it would be safe to send them soon.

What's a zig-zag Epi?

I would also like to be added to your list for the zig-zag cactus, LMK how much for postage and your address. Terri

studley, do you have an updated picture on the epi seedlings? i am interested to see how they're doing!

I can probably take one. I have been wanting to for a while, but never have my camera in the greenhouse. I'll try.