A genus of the Cactus family often called orchid cactus, epiphyllums originated in the Central American jungles and the northern parts of South America and Mexico. The showy flowers, which grow directly off the leaf-like stems, come in all colors except a real blue and vary in size from two to ten inches across.
Their size tends to make them more suitable for greenhouse cultivation. The orchid cactus requires a moister and richer soil than is needed by desert types of cacti. An ideal composition would consist of three parts leaf mold and two parts sharp sand. A tablespoon of streamed bone meal and one hoof and horn meal are added to two quarts of the soil mix.
Though the California climate is especially favorable to growing orchid cactus under lath or in the open, they are easily grown anywhere outdoors in the summer. Keep weeds away, they are so beautiful in landscape alone. During active growth the soil should be kept evenly moist.
They should be dug up and put in containers in the winter time. Place in greenhouse or home till spring. Preferably in a sunny eastern exposure or lightly shaded southern one.
During this rest period, they should be kept as dry as possible without allowing the leaf-like stems to shrivel. the winter rest is necessary to assure satisfactory summer blooming from April through June.
Growing epiphyllum from seed is a long process and they do not always come true to the parent plant, as they do asexually. This is done by taking a cutting from the main branch, or separating by roots. A ten to 16 inch cutting gives quick bloom. It takes about two years for the plant to bloom from seed.
When taking cuttings, allow them to cure for five to ten days before replanting in a dry soil mixed with equal parts leaf mold or good compost material and building sand. Like in this picture. Withhold water for at least three days, and then water sparingly until reestablished.
Plants that are damp or watered at once after transplanting may rot off at the base. Be sure the containers have good drainage. The more crowded the plant, the better the blooms.
After the first year some feeding is necessary. Compost or manure tea or fish emulsion during active growth will supply the necessary nutrients. These plants may seem hard to take care of by reading this blog. Actually these Cactus are very handsome plants for home, landscape, and business. Just by adding to your schedule. They are very easy.
Care To Plant 