The plant is full of buds. When in bloom it's viewed from the side, not from the top. One option would be to leave it where it is and just enjoy the view from the side. The other thing would be to hang it up so viewed from below, you only see a ring of healthy leaves and flowers. I would also consider digging out the dead stuff from the middle and filling the hole with coconut or whatever. The plant will start to grow into the space. Nothing wrong with dividing it but it took 15 odd years to get to where it is so think twice before dividing it. Bid specimen plants like this, when groomed properly are spectacular and cannot be bought. Nick

Hi Stan Probably it would be best to keep it in a pot until you get the hang for it's care . Certainly can grow it on a tree BUT they seem to need regular fertiizer to perform at their best. another they are rated at 50 for a low they can tolerate into the 30's ,while it doesn't kill them they do stress so there are less and poorer quality flowers. I'd wait until after flowering and repot into a 6 inch clay pot with standard bark mix ,then you can experiment with amount of light and fert schedule to see what works . for you. and have complete control of temps. They are not hard to grow BUT it is VERY easy to kill them lol Good luck gary

It's an epiphyllum, probably an epiphyllum hybrid (which typically contain other, similar genera, including Disocactus, Pseudorhipsalis and Selenicereus). These are commonly referred to as 'orchid cactus', but they are neither a true cactus nor an orchid :-) They are a semi-tropical succulent related to cactus that produces large, very showy flowers. They do produce an edible fruit (NOT a dragon fruit) but these are scarce on indoor plants. They are epiphytes, meaning they take advantage of other, larger plants - like trees - as a support system, like most tropical orchids do, and do not require soil in their native habitat. For home gardeners, they grow perfectly well in a good quality, fast draining potting mix. Unless you live in a semi-tropical climate or certainly a frost free zone (Z 10 or higher), these are not hardy outdoor. And they are pendant in habit, with those long branching structures cascading over the side of a container to often a significant length. One normally grows them in some sort of hanging basket structure or on a tall plant stand to show off the plant and its long branches to best effect. btw, the flowers form at the tips of these flattened leaves/branches so any pruning should be done cautiously. There are scads of websites on epis and if you do a bit of searching, they will provide all the growing info you need (rather than my repeating it all here!!). I find they are very easy to grow and will reward you with some gorgeous - if short-lived - flowers. I've got one setting flower buds now after being moved back indoors from its summer holiday location. Here's just one example of an epiphyllum website but do not stop with just one!! And be sure to check out any that show photo galleries of the blossoms - they are incredible!!

Floral, northern VA may get a little more variation than some other parts of 6b because of the proximity to the coast. Plus OP may not be the administrator of the community garden and may not have the option of planting perennials there, only annuals. Agree, however, that they would do better out-of-doors even this late in the year, although I would suggest a sheltered location such as close to the house and having a cloche or cover available as needed for frosts and freezes this first winter. Agree also on the need for a proper pot with drainage if outdoor is not possible. Possibly even potting them and keeping the pots outdoors most of the winter and bringing them in only during the coldest weeks. Mason jar herbs are a popular gift but not very useful for long term life of the herbs. You are likely to get plants to grow, but not likely to get them to thrive.