Does anyone know this cactus and what it needs to encourage bloom? I bought at a nursery but it didn't have a tag. I thought it was in the Christmas cactus family, but then the blooms didn't open at the right size and the flowers were a lot bigger. It put on a big show this spring. I had it outside all summer, but I'm not great with houseplants so I'm nervous it won't bloom again.
Well, boojum..........for sure it's an Epiphylum.....what variety is another thing??? Elaine
Here's more photos.
It is outstanding, I think it will go domant after it flowers, and will need that rest to flower again, I would hold back water, it's likes a cool winter, so keep it in a service porch, or cool bedroom. Give it some light, but not bright light. It likes down to 55- F it can go down to 30F without harm. In spring, cut out any dead wood, and start to water and fertilize it regularly. It looks a mini type flower. If you can send this to Rainbow Gardens, they may be able to name it for you.
Here in Los Angeles we keep it outside on a north wall, we do water and fertilize weekly during the growing season, once it turns cold we stop all care, and resume it here on April 1 when we are sure the forst season is over about March 15th. All winter these are left outside, with 50% or more shade cloth for protection summer, and winter. Rhipsalis are treated in the same manner. Norma
The plant is absolutely gorgeous !!!!!!
Thanks so much, Crasulady. For the compliment and info. I never would have known any of this! Of course it spent the summer in the sun and watered (my solution to all problems) so it doesn't look happy. I will bring it on the porch for shade and no water! Very timely advice since it's about to rain.
So much to learn on DG!!!
Do you have an address for Rainbow Gardens? I googled a few and don't know to which you referred.
My Epi, the one on another thread with the small blooms, is really a Rhipsalis, but I don't know which one yet. Oh boy, I have got to get some real Epi. Yours is beautiful.
Is is just beautiful. Repeat whatever you did last year!! Had to go back for one more look. Glorious plant.
Found out the name today-Disocactus phyllanthoides. Also called pond lily cactus. It's from Southern Mexico. Unfortunately I bought it with buds and didn't even know what it was, so I'm learning!
this gorgeous plant could be Disocactus phyllanthoides aka 'Deutsche Kaiserin', syn. Nopalxochia phyllanthoides
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Disocactus_phyllanthoides.html
you beat me by a minute :-)
This message was edited Jan 6, 2005 3:09 PM
Boy it has enough extra names, huh? I just found this out today! How did you figure it out, RUK?
I own one. I just have it hanging in my greenhouse during the indoor season in full sun ( watered and fertilized when "dryish") and it flowers now for me in the Spring and then I get another flush outside around July.
At the moment it is actively putting on new growth.
It is listed here on my page from 2002.
http://www.kammlott.net/April02.html
Uh-oh. I want your greenhouse! Can you tell me about it? I'm just getting into orchids and I have a salmon ascocenda that will hopefully bloom someday. So far it's happy with a vaporizer, a fan, a bright window, daily baths, and every other week fertilizing. I'm a bit exhausted though.
I think my epi doesn't have enough light. It's growing these long skinny pencilly things with tiny roots sticking out. No new flat leaves. It also might be root bound. What thinkest you? Looks like you'd know. BTW on one website they said they were hard to find online. Mine was untagged at a local farm and garden. Where did you get yours?
Wow, what a great and beautiful website. I will spend more time there for sure.
Boojum,
actually this plant seems to grow more skinny pieces first, which then widen and grow fatter. A bit of Peters 20 20 20 every so often will help.
I found mine untagged at "Metropolitan Plant Exchange". That time they had lots.
My greenhouse was built by "Florian greenhouse" on top of the garage in 2001. If you look at my updates on kammlott.net, you will find plenty pictures of inside and outside views of my greenhouse. ( too numerous to mention...see October pics etc)I am very happy with it, and as I have mentioned many times, I love that it is attached to the house. That feature is particularly nice in the middle of Winter, I walk in through an upstairs room. It is heated with oil/forced air just like the rest of the house, but has its own thermostat. So far that has worked very well.
Love the idea of putting it on top of the garage, it doesn't take any more room, I always thought it would be a cool idea, actually suggested to DH. I just didn't know it could be done that way. Now I do. That's the way to go, yeeeaaaaaa for you. Norma
thanks, Norma :-)
Ursula
I am very relieved to hear that this skinny pieces will grow since three people have asked me for cuttings. Can you give me advice on where to cut? I assume where the sections taper. I read that fish emulsion is best for epis, so I have started a bit. What kind of place is the Metropolitan Plant Exchange? Is it a swap meet? BTW I grew up in Highland Park, NJ but left in 1970. I will look and dream some more about the greenhouse. What a great idea to put it above the garage!
I personally would let the new growth mature, before I would do any cutting. I have parted with some pieces last Spring, it seemed like a good time to do so. 6-8 inch pieces, several planted together into the same pot works well.
Metropolitan Plant Exchange is a local plant store, with 3 (franchises?) in different locations around here. They have a huge selection of plants and it is hard not to walk out of there with stuff.
I'm safe because I can't send till spring-plant cuttings would freeze. Not safe till May here. Sometimes late May. Glad that plant store's not nearby-I don't need more-not that it ever stops me. Oh well! Could be a worse addiction!
Your epi is awesome, Kathy. You're all lucky to have a Plant Exchange place like that.
:) Donna
RUK---what a beautifully kept greenhouse! And the plants are all so lovely. Remind me to never, EVER, post any pictures of the inside of MY working greenhouse!
Chilko, thank you so much!!!
You are very kind, please please please post everything from inside your greenhouse. I am sure it is just fine.
