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Orchid cactus blooming!

12 years ago

I put a photo on the cacti gallery of my orchid cactus that I photographed late yesterday when some of the flowers started to open. I can't otherwise upload photos here, and I thought that gallery was more appropriate. Later, when more buds open I will post additional pictures on Photobucket. I'm always very happy when I get these flowers, but they don't last very long, and so I have to get photos when I can. I can use the photos for making greeting cards.

Lars

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Lars
Original Author

7 years ago

I have white ones already, although most of those are night blooming. Here's some of what bloomed in April:

(same plant as the one I posted back in 2011)

I read somewhere that these plants make fruit like pitaya, but mine have not done so yet, that I can see, but I will be looking for any edible parts.

I sent some cuttings to Florida this year, as well as some to Northern California, near Sacramento, where they need protection from cold in the winter.

Comments (13)

spacific
12 years ago
Nice, Lars.
We've had a good year for cacti blooms as well. That wet spring seems to have done it.

Ann
lpinkmountain
12 years ago
Wow, it's like a giant Christmas cactus. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the photo.
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colleenoz
12 years ago
That's gorgeous! Reminds me of zygocactus blooms- I've got one but it hardly ever blooms :-(
mustangs81
12 years ago
Very nice! We have a large (8') cactus in our neighborhood with blooms that I haven't seen on it in many years.

Love it, thanks for sharing.
Lars
Original Author
12 years ago
Christmas cactus and zygocatus are the same plant, but orchid cactus is known as epiphyllum and is native to the highlands of Central American and SE Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca). They are difficult to get to bloom unless they are in the right microclimate - like coastal Southern & Central California. They don't like heat and require mild winters and regular watering in well drained soil. I have several more that are doing much better now that I am watering them regularly. They also do not like a lot of direct sun, and this is somewhat of a problem for me because I get too much sun. I have one that is completely inside the gazebo, taking up a lot of space, and it only blooms at night. I missed the flowers of that one last year because I didn't know they were going to open at night.

I took better pictures yesterday and will try to get some of them up on my photobucket account.

Lars
Lars
Original Author
12 years ago
Here are some more views.

Lars
lsr2002
12 years ago
Those are spectacular flowers - great photos. From what you said they surely would not grow here, so thanks for sharing the pictures Lars.

Lee
blueiris24
12 years ago
Beautiful! Thanks for posting.
yenika_zone10 Miami, Fl
7 years ago
Want to trade some cuts
yenika_zone10 Miami, Fl
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
They are beautiful thank you for sharing your pictures .... I can buy you some cuts from each color you have or anyone you want to sale me ...

please send me message private

thanks
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
7 years ago
What lovely blooms!

Pitaya is pollinated by sphinx moths, I believe. I have a common white-flowered one that has only produced a couple of fruits over the years, because those type of moths are rather scarce in my area, seemingly. Maybe also because I like to pick a few blooms & bring them inside to perfume my house @ night.
yenika_zone10 Miami, Fl
7 years ago
Mine is in bloom now

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