Some more of my treasures, not sure what this cactus is, but most of the year it looks boring, but every spring it does this and the blossoms are about 3" across, they don't last more than a week or so, but while they do, they are breathtaking... I have taken a few leaf cuttings and it takes well, never want to lose it! Lin
oooh that is gorgeous!
wow, i wish you knew what it was so i could get one!!
The flowers look almost like peonys!!
Beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing. :)
G x
Hi Cambourne7, if you really fancy a piece, I could just stick a bit of leaf in an envelope to you... all you have to do with this kind of succulent/cactus is pick a piece of leaf, let it dry out, then stick in some stony potting compost and it just takes! Just stick your address in an email and I will happily send you a piece, Lin
amazing colour :)
lin,
I think its an epiphyllum, common name orchid cactus. My grandad used to grow them, but they were red or cream flowered. Yours are a really gorgeous shade of pink.
valmarg
Hi Valmarg, thanks so much for naming my plant, I have done a search on the net and have found lots about them, not found one exactly the same as this, but close, there are some gorgeous white ones too.
I have had this plant... and others from cuttings for over 20 years and will try to always keep one going because the flowers are so lovely. Thanks again for the info, Lin
ps here's what the website say about this desert orchid:
Epiphyllums are true cacti but are more often labeled as "Epicacti" or "jungle cacti" to differentiate them from desert flora. Many plant lovers also call them "orchid cacti" because of the very large and colorful flowers. Epiphyllum species are found in the jungles of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America.
Jungle cacti are the pinnacle of cacti evolution... having moved into the treetops to exploit that unique environment -- the same one occupied by many orchids. Like orchids, epiphyllums have evolved into epiphytic plants which live on the surface of other plants. Epiphytes take their nourishment from the environment and not from their host plant.
Epiphyllums are very easy to grow. Propagation is primarily by vegetative cuttings, though new hybrids are produced from seed. Most epiphyllums produce long, arching stems that are flat and notched along the margins. The flowers can be up to 10 inches across and are available in nearly every color.
Epiphyllums are a particular bargain, very easy to grow, and extremely rewarding when they flower. These make HUGE flowers that are often fragrant. Some last for several days to a week, others only last one night.
fab :)
gorgeous,love it.
Stunning and well worth waiting for a year to get a week of that!
That is so beautiful.
Thank you so much Lin for giving us the info on your beautiful plant. Lovely photos. I have had one for several years now (the red variety) which is just coming into bloom now. I have been trying to find out the name. I did send Emma Jane a cutting a couple of years ago, I wonder if it took :-\
Hi Lin, I have one the same colour as yours. They are beautiful aren't they.
I have never thought of taking any cuttings as an insurance against losing it, but it would be a good idea.
They grow like mad. Here are a couple of shots of mine;
(http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/4333/spring2007qf5.th.jpg) (http://img451.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spring2007qf5.jpg)
(http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/7702/spring2007010wz1.th.jpg) (http://img355.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spring2007010wz1.jpg)