Epiphyllum

16 years ago

This was grown from a cutting given to me a couple of years ago. It's the first time this one has flowered for me and what a nice show it's putting on, with several more buds waiting to open. The flower is a little over 5".

Cindee - this is the "unknown" one I mentioned in my email.

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Comments (39)

ariel73
16 years ago
WOW!!! That is just beautiful!!! It almost doesn't look real.
katkin_gw
16 years ago
That is just beautiful. I have several that haven't bloomed yet and I decided they didn't get enough sun, so I just moved them today to some dappled sunlight.
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Hello, I do not have any Epi's to trade because i just discovered the plant itself. Would you happen to have any extra's to share.. Thank you in advance Cindy
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Is the fruit of this Epiphyllum cactus edible?
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Hi all As Dave61 rightly notes, pretty much all cactus fruit are technically edible, but most range from bland to tasteless to unpleasant. Nevertheless there are a large number of cactus fruits that range from passably good to utterly delicious. Most will be at their best when just fully ripe, and often ferment or dry out soon afterward, so strike while the iron is hot. Perhaps the most commonly grown cacti with edible fruits are some of the Mammillarias. These fruits are often quite small, though in a few they can be the size of a nice plump raisin. One of the most commonly available species with tasty fruits is Mammillaria prolifera. Like the much larger but harder to find and to grow, fruits of some species of Echinocactus, the fruits of M. prolifera have a strawberry flavor. They are ready when they turn red, and once they start to shrivel may be past their prime. One wellgrown plant may yield scores of fruits in a summer. As to pollination, the majority of cacti are what are called "obligate outcrossers", that is, a clone cannot fertilize itself but must be crossed with a genetically different clone of the same species. Of course, in a house there would be no pollinators anyhow (though one might try hand pollination); and for fruit production, it is likely that if you have more than one plant of a similar sort, even if not the same species, they may still be crossable, at least to produce fruit. So if you have a Mammillaria crinita and a Mammillaria prolifera in bloom together (or a gracilis, or whathaveyou) and you want fruit, try using a small brush or Q-tip to transfer pollen from one plant onto the stigmas of the flowers in another... choosing the stronger plant to receive the pollen. Here in Florida we have a number of large cereoid cacti that grow in yards, the most common being Cereus repandus (syn Cereus peruvianus), whose large red fruits are quite tasty (the red rind is tough but the white pulp, laced with tiny black seeds, is excellent). And many of the local prickly pears, too, have nice fruits. (The Santa Rita and some other ornamental ones, alas, have dry or leathery fruits not very good for consumption.) Bon appetit! John in St Petersburg
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Epiphyllum dried out
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Yes, I do have experience w/ water rooting, but not of these, cause holiday cacti root so readily in mix, that I don't bother rooting them in water. I'd strongly advise against planting the water rooted segments w/ the fresh cut ones, which cannot take up water w/out roots. Also I wouldn't put them in w/ the corked parts, recipes for failure as all 3 will have different watering requirements & that makes them incompatible for a shared pot. Also, (sorry) but the large pot is now too large for the reduced amount of plant material, using it can cause rotting 'cause of too much soil staying wet longer than the plants can take it up. Recipe for rot troubles, unlikely to work well. If you feel adventuresome, I'll suggest an experiment for you. You can keep growing your water rooted ones indefinitely in the water. Don't know if they'll bloom that way, but I've recently discovered these can do really well growing in hydro (just water), Look at this little beauty, how healthy it looks. I had just tossed several pieces into a bit of water as a holding station, 'til I decided how I wanted to pot them. A bit later I noticed they were thriving, so I've left them there using some Leca stones (porous clay balls used in Hydro growing) in the bottom of the pot to support the cuttings & give the roots something to hold on to. I also use these 'netted' pots that came my way, somehow, Here's another, bigger setup also doing well. I just add a bit of water every couple of days & they're happy. This is my 1st year doing this, so I haven't thought abt blooming or fertilizer. These above are 'true' Xmas cactus, my 1st pic is something called Rhipsalis elliptica. Not sure what yours is, maybe some Orchid cactus? These 3 are different kinds of cacti, but the common thing is they're all epiphytic cacti, growing in sometimes humid tropical forests, up in the trees, among the branches, not down in the soil. So I sort of think this set up here may more closely parallel their natural environment. So I'm playing w/ these bits & pieces & feel it's been worthwhile.
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Hello, I have just received 2 epiphyllums from the same seller. My mot
Q
Comments (8)
Oh that’s good🙂. You just have to be patient. Yours don’t look too bad, they’re just dehydrated. Be sure the soil is fast draining, pot has a hole, and you can give yours a drink if you haven’t. Normally I like to wait to give succulents a drink after repotting, especially cacti. But yours is a jungle cactus, which is a whole different story. Shipping can be super stressful on plants, but from the looks your cactus should be fine. Keep it warm, in bright filtered light, and water when dry. Like I said above succulents turn all sorts of colors when stressed. Keep in mind succulents don’t perk up over night, sometimes they will, but usually they take their time. It could take a month+ before they look hydrated, but it could take less. Keep your eye on them. I’m sure you will since you’ve been looking for this plant for 30 yrs. Now with your mother’s plant. I do know Epiphyllum can get black black spots. Here’s a link.
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cindeea
16 years ago
YIPPEE!!!! That is georgous, Maureen...your photos are smashing! Love it, Love it, Love it!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing a cutting with me...I can't wait!

I see a tree behind it. I am thinking maybe my tab back side would work. What kind of medium did you use and what light/shade does it prefer? Gawd, that is truly beautiful!
katkin_gw
16 years ago
I forgot to mention, I use orchid bloom blaster fertilizer on mine to get them to bloom. They are orchid cactus. lol
msmarion
16 years ago
Wow that's spectacular! I have a red one (noid) that's in bloom now. Wanna Run Faster gave me two recently and I "won" three on ebay. The red one was give to me when we lived in NH, it never bloomed until we moved here. It puts out more flowers every year. Thanks for sharing your beauty.
solstice98
16 years ago
The list of plants I need to have continues to grow!
maureen155
Original Author
16 years ago
CIndee -

Most of the larger epiphyllums I have are grown in those coco/fiber basket things you can get at WMart or BigLot. I just put them in regular potting soil and fertilize them every couple of weeks. I use orchid fertilizer too.

The ones in baskets hang in the oak trees and get partial sun in the morning and deeper shade in the afternoon. The smaller plants and cuttings are in pots and grow on the northeast side of my house in bright shade.

Maureen
maureen155
Original Author
16 years ago
LOL Kate. These things are as addictive as orchids. Beware :)

Maureen
cindeea
16 years ago
Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy!!
msmarion
16 years ago
Do a search for orchid cactus on ebay to tempt you even more. I never knew there were so many.
katkin_gw
16 years ago
Maureen, I think the one you posted a picture of could be "Clown". I am glad you posted this as it has made me take a renewed interest in them. Maybe I'll get the ones I haven't gotten to bloom yet in flower. I haven't given them much attention lately. My night blooming one has buds on it again. :o)
lynne_melb
16 years ago
Wow.
katkin_gw
16 years ago
Check out Tropical Treasures for more epiphyllums then I've ever seen before.
cindeea
16 years ago
Maureen-I planted the Epiphyllum you sent me in a coir fiber hanging basket today and they are hanging from my maple tree. I keep debating whether to leave them there, (near my potting bench) or move them to the Tabebuia tree outside our home office window Where I play on the computer. Decisions, decisions!! I can't wait to see them bloom!!
AmberSky
16 years ago
This place seems to ahve some really great ones. I want, I want!

Here is a link that might be useful: Click Me!
maureen155
Original Author
16 years ago
Katkin - I don't know what this one is because it was given to me without any id. But it does look like Clown. Thanks. I try to keep the ones I have id's on labelled, but inevitably the label falls out or fades. So, some I know and others just surprise me :)

That's a nice site, Amber. I love all the pictures.

Many of mine came from Bob Smoley's (link below.) He's close to me and I drove over there one day last year and went a little crazy. I wasn't so happy I did that during the winter when I was hauling all the pots into the shed every time they predicted a frost, but it's worth it. I think this year I'm going to rig up something in the garage to hang them from when it gets really cold.

Glad you got yours planted, Cindee.

Maureen

Here is a link that might be useful: Bob Smoley's
katkin_gw
16 years ago
Great sources to get some more. I should get the one named Kathleen! :o)
solstice98
16 years ago
I just took a chance and bought some on eBay. I'm sure the cuttings will be small but I got a package of 5 different epi's for under $20. Seems worth a try.
katkin_gw
16 years ago
Good for you, Kate. Glad we could get you hooked on something else. lol
AmberSky
16 years ago
God, you guys are pushers. Here I am plotting out where I can put my next obsession.
cindeea
16 years ago
Geeze, why are you dangling all those sites in front of my nose??? You enablers!!!

They all are very pretty but I didn't see a one nearly as smashing as Maureen's. The color just sucks you in.
katkin_gw
16 years ago
Lol, that's us, total enablers!

I have one with twisted leaves,that must bloom at night. I find the dead flower and it fruits, but have never seen the bloom. I wonder if it is like the dragon fruit and is eddible. It looks like dragon fruit.
msmarion
16 years ago
Katkin I have that one as well. I asked the man I purchased it from a year later about the flowers. He told me that the flowers are insignificant and he grows them for the seed pod.
I just got a cutting of clown from an ebay sell and his picture looks different from Maureen's. I'm just going to wait and see.
maureen155
Original Author
16 years ago
You guys are so funny. Ya gotta love addiction prone gardeners :)

I very much hope to be able to attend Kate's fall swap and if I do, I'll bring along several epiphyllum cuttings.

Maureen
lynne_melb
16 years ago
Yes, you all are enablers. I was watching some bids on ebay yesterday. Kate, if I bid, I might have been bidding on the ones that you were. Which ones are you getting?

I was thinking that I want to get more true orchids before starting on the epiphyllums, but who knows, if I keep reading this forum.
cindeea
16 years ago
Lynne...get them both!! (enable, enable)
AmberSky
16 years ago
And a site for Orchid Cactus Porn.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ooh La-La!
solstice98
16 years ago
These are the 5 won in the e bay auction. With shipping the cost was about $20. The text is all from the auction page. I already have an email from the seller saying they should be here by tomorrow!

King Midas: outstanding shades of golden orange with strong, tall, lanky growth. The flower has cup form. King Midas is a good bloomer and grower.

An AWESOME beauty! (PICTURE BELOW)

Padre: This is a wide open flower of soft pink, about 7-8 inches across and blooms for about 3 days. The inner petals form an open funnel shape and the outer in the wheel form. The padre is a profuse bloomer. Large flat leaves can either be potted in a hanging basket or on the patio in a grouping. (PICTURE BELOW)

Smarty Pants: Pink with magenta midstripe. Outer petals crimson. Double, bell-shaped. Flat growth. Profuse grower. Flower 4 inches across. GORGEOUS flower

Surprise Party: The first 2 rows of petals have light soft-pink color with cerise center and white throat. Third and fourth rows have an orange center with cerise trim. Outer petals are deep orange with narrow cerise trim. Double, overlapping cup and saucer flower. Flowers are 7-9 inches across.

Epiphyllum stenopentalum: This is a variety of E. hookeri. It is a night bloomer. A white bloom with narrow petals that stand out in a wheel form. Growth is flat and wide.

The flower pictures are from the actual plants where cuttings are harvested. You will receive one (5 to 7 inches long) cutting of each variety.

Rooting is easy. Rooting hormones will be applied prior to shipping and rooting instruction will be provided.

Here is a link that might be useful: Epi auction photo
wanna_run_faster
16 years ago
Also watch for Don Cravalho's auctions on ebay! His cuttings are great. I got a mixed grab bag from him, for $25 (inclusive of shipping) I got about 15 healthy named cuttings. The auction was for way less than that but he threw in bonus ones. You can also email him at: epiphyllumworld@hotmail.com and request a catalog. I'm getting ready to place another order with him from his catalog too...just so many pretty ones!

He also has a website, google epiphyllum world (I'm not sure of the exact address)
lynne_melb
16 years ago
Cindee, you are bad - I don't need encouragement. My checkbook is still recovering from my coleus purchases.

Kate, those look great. I was watching another package, so at least we wouldn't have been bidding against each other.

Amber, Kathy, Wanna, Maureen. I should have enough willpower not to follow the links you provided. However, that's no fun.
solstice98
16 years ago
Could this be another opportunity for drunken internet shopping?
Hmmmm... what goes with epiphyllum? Something colorful and tropical I think. And it's a cactus, so tequila seems appropriate. Yup, it's mango marguerita time!
cindeea
16 years ago
Lynne-use hubbys credit card..........YUK YUK
jardinerafloridana
16 years ago
Kate,
Those mango margaritas sound really refreshing!!!!
I think I just might join you.
Jardinera
PRO
Jan Sword-Rossman Realty 239-470-6061
16 years ago
Hi, I wanted to say hi to everyone at Florida gardening forum. That Epi looks like Daisy Dean but I am not sure.
I have unknown Red epi with Fuschia Edges and Dark reddish Orange mid stripes. Flower is large 9" across. It bloomed for the first time.
Jan
solstice98
16 years ago
I received my e bay epi order on Tuesday! They are nice size cuttings and look like they came off healthy plants. The seller wrote the name on each 'leaf'. I thought that was pretty clever. The auction was for 5 epis, but they sent double cuttings of 2of them! (Sorry the picture is so fuzzy and oddly colored. I had left it on a outside/daylight setting and it didn't work for an inside/at night picture at all!)
mitzi1956
16 years ago
This isnt fair lol im just getting into my eppies for only 6 months now i have 2 very large plants but nothing blooming yet but it is late in the season too i guess. im wondering if where i have them is just too hot for them to bloom. im in middle fla and there in a greenhouse with a shadecloth on top, but man does it get hot in there for 5 hrs a day.
cindeea
16 years ago
mitzi, wish I could help you, but I am new to Epips!

I love seeing older posts resurected! I can't remember what I saw or said yesterday let alone last month! lol

Note to Maureen...after Dennis put in my steps, we planted my plant/bird feeder hanger next to it and I moved the basket of cactus you sent me to the hanger. Man-o-man they all really look healthy but I am guessing before long they are going to be really crowded. I'll take pics tomorrow...it's drizzling the evening YAY!
maureen155
Original Author
16 years ago
Mitzi - I'm not an expert on epiphyllums by any means, but I remember reading that they don't much care for extremely high temperatures. How about moving them outside, under a tree during this really hot weather and then back into the greenhouse for the winter? All of mine are grown outside under oak trees and seem to do well.

Cindee - here's a picture for you of the "momma plant" I sent cuttings from (the white flowering one.) It's totally out of control. I know I should trim some of the growth back but there's just something about a plant with 4' long tentacles that appeals to me :)
cindeea
16 years ago
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Maureen that is stunning! Now I KNOW I got to separate them plants, that basket does not have room for just one this size!

Just had a thought...you know those 3 tiered hanging baskets for veggies and stuff. Might be kinda neat to get one of them, line with coir and let the cacti just go googly!

Epiphyllum

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