| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| edlund33 |
Posted - Sep 05 2011 : 8:47:25 PM
I went outside to put the trash out tonight and discovered blooms on my Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus)! This plant also bloomed in early April. I've had it for going on 15 years and this is the first time it has ever rebloomed in the fall! .JPG)    
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| edlund33 |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 9:02:02 PM
No Diana, it isn't a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) but they are close botanical relatives. Both are considered Epiphytes, which means they grow on trees high up in the tropical forest canopy in their native Central and S. America. They are called "Orchid" because they grow in the same place as many orchids, and "Cactus" because they have succulent leaves like a cactus.
My plant is Nopalxochia phyllanthoides 'Deutsche Kaiserin' aka "German Empress". The straplike leaves are about 3' long and 2" wide at the broadest point. The blooms are about 6-8" long and 4-5" wide when they open up all the way. Mine is a cutting descendent of a plant that my great grandmother had in her house over 65 years ago. I am growing some newer hybrid varieties too, but they were just started from cuttings last year so I don't expect any blooms for a few more years. Epi's are really easy to grow but the Orchid cacti require alot of space when they are full grown. I have mine on tall plant stands so they can hang down without touching the floor. They are really easy to grow and don't require alot of sunlight so they do very well in my house which is surrounded by tall trees. I move them outside during the summer.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| gramadinah |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 1:17:32 PM
Is that not also called a Christmas cactus?
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
| Heartbroken farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 07 2011 : 07:13:38 AM
So beautiful!!! How exciting to get a second blooming!
The tears I shed then, watered the flowers I harvest now.
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"The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values."-Dean William Ralph Inge |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 08:38:16 AM
Oh, what perfect flowers!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| Killarney |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 08:22:48 AM
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
#3392
Imagine.... |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 06:12:59 AM
Cool!!! I have never heard of an orchid cactus. Beautiful Bloom!
blessings,
peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
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When I was a lonely wallflower, Jesus asked me to dance. Then he asked me to be joyous, to be passionate, and to Be His! |
| grammytammy |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 04:46:56 AM
beautiful, I have never tried an orchid, but.....
FarmGirl 2495
God loved us so much He gave His only son to die in our stead. |
| Beverly Gill |
Posted - Sep 06 2011 : 02:34:42 AM
wow wee...its so pretty.
Beverly
There's no place like home |
| mydakota |
Posted - Sep 05 2011 : 10:07:46 PM
Gorgeous!
HearthCricket Farm. Where the door is always open, and the coffee is always on. |
