Orchid Cactus in full bloom

This Orchid Cactus Epiphyllum growing in Belle Nelson’s landscape was a cutting rooted by Fred Whitley who was given a cactus by the late Lucille Sharp. Whitley was doing an article on Sharp’s cactus when he was in charge of The St. Augustine Record’s garden page. He was so impressed by the bloom, she offered him a cactus, one of several she had rooted.

It took a few years before that cactus bloomed for Whitley and got big enough that he could make cuttings and share them with friends.

They grow well in hanging baskets or containers in shaded areas that get bright or filtered sun. Regular potting soil is fine with occasional fertilizing with 15-30-15 mixed in water. Whitley roots a four to six inch stem segment in water and when roots form, transfers them to a container. Soil should be watered when it dries. It will take two or more years before the plant starts blooming. The bloom period is generally in April to May.