What kind of soil,ect.How deep do you plant the cuttings?Any info would be appreciated.Thanks,Jody
How do you start orchid cactus?
Jody, I will tell you how I start mine, simple to do, just any soil will work (I use the cheapo store soil) I wet it after I place into whatever container I am going to use. after the water soaks down in, I then just stick the end of the cutting into the soil no more than 1 inch deep, always worked for me this way :) I then place mine out under the shade of my maple tree (some are in hanging baskets and some are just sitting on ground under tree).
Others may have other ways of doing it, give them some time to get here to answer you.
Laurrie
Laurrie,
Thank you
Jody
You are welcome, mine don't seem to mind what kind of soil, and they take to root pretty easily - good luck with yours!
Same with me. I use the regular potting soil you can buy at the store. Usually I tend to root any I get in water first and than pot when they have good roots.
:) Donna
I have found mine will root either way. If the soil gets soggy from to much rain, then I can start seeing some problems with rooting. I had a long stalk with a leaf on the end and didn't really want to root the whole thing like that. So I broke the leaf and stock into 4 pieces and stuck them in the ground. Each of the pieces rooted and started sending up shoots. I have been surprised by leaves that I thought were to damaged to grow, sprouted for me. I wish all plants were that easy to root!
Thanks Donna and horsewoman,
I'll give it a go.Regular potting soil in a pot in the shade,how much sun,none just indirect?
Wish me luck I really,really want these to make it.I have been seeing the gorgeous blooms on these now I want all colors.lol.
horsewoman,
I take it you have horses?I do too,just pasture ornaments right now.A friend of Mom's died well he got killed and Mom wanted something of his so she bought 3 of his horses.Yes we've had horses since I was 10 and Mom has since she was 15,but I got away from them in my 30's.Now I want a baby,2-3 yr. old with about 30 days green,just enough that no one has messed it up.I'm picky about a soft mouth and a tender leg cues.:-)
Hope to talk to you both soon.Still thinking of driving south to save critters.
Jody
Hi Jody,
Yep, got 3 horses, right now expensive lawn ornaments! LOL Between horses and plants, they keep me broke. It is nice getting a young one that no one else has messed with. The arab I have has only had 3 people on his back and he is 15 yr. old. They get to be part of the family and a big baby when you mess with them a lot. I hate to think of the animals seperated from their owners. Very traumatic for both, ya know there are a lot of cats and dogs..but also horses, cows, goats, birds..the list goes on.
It breaks my heart when I think of the animals that are suffering along with the people. Some animals get so attached to their owners that they won't eat and die if they are separated.
Filtered sun is best for epi's. I have mine under a tree where they get some morning and evening sun, lots of filtered light. I have been told to keep the epi's outside as long as there isn't a frost or freeze. They grow best outside for me. They can take a lot of abuse and still grow.
horsewoman,
My appy is 15 too or there abouts,Mom has his papers,she gave him to me about 8 years ago.After her friend got killed some idiot rode him and messed him up,he's spooky and won't let you put a bit in his mouth.So I compromised and used a hackamore,it stops him but I haven't ridden him but maybe 12-15 times and the last time was about 5 years ago.I was working full time and going to school,then my health got bad and he's so messed up and now old to boot.I'll just keep him around to hug on until he dies of old age.
Mom's other two,one got killed she had 3; he stuck his head under a cattle panel while rolling and a piece peirced into his brain,the local vet removed it and the best horse vet in IL. Carl Luthin who works the biggest horse shows and racetracks said "he wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole" he told Mom to take him to University of IL in Champain,he started to loose his balance two days later,he'd been on antibotics,but local cow vet didn't think it went into his brain anyway they put him down after massive amounts of antibotics for another two days.he was the best looking horse we had.He was the son of my horse and we have his daughter,I think she is 8 now,16.3,we still have her Mom she's about 25 now she's a loud leopard colored appaloosa.He father was a belgium.This guy was doing his own breeding for over 50 years and had bred belgium and mustang,thoughbred,quarter into the apps.way before they started changing all the rules.
I'll do as you say with the ephi's and keep them outside under my porch where they will get some morning sun and a little afternoon sun.Thanks for the help.Jody
If you go to several Epiphyllum sites it gives detailed cultivation information including that Epies are to be planted in loose soil (regular soil is to heavy and will not allow the roots to breathe properly). The soil should be mixed with something to give it aeration (i.e. perlite, sand, coir...). There are several forums that deal stricltly with Epies that you will find information from growers who know what they are doing and will be willing to help.
Although epies are easy to take care of, they are epiphytic plants so they do not naturally grow in the ground where the roots will not get air. Think you should check other sites if you want to learn correctly or you can just take your chances with your cuttings.
Thank you
Jody