Easter Cactus

 My Easter Cactus

               Hatiora gaertneri - this plant  is an epiphyte with flat stems that are segmented. The bell shaped flowers are regular, with a  short basal tube, and have short stamens that are inside the petals. This grows well in bright indirect sunlight. Spring through autumn, it does best with night temperatures 0f 65- 70 degrees and day temperatures of 75- 85 degrees. In the winter, it requires night temperatures of 45-55 degrees and day temperature of around 65 degrees. Water thoroughly even in the winter , when top of soil feels dry to the touch. I planted 2 varieties in this pot for color. I also use worm compost juice for fertilizer, diluted 1 to 10.

My Easter Lily Cactus

EASTER LILY CACTUS


Echinopsis oxygona, also known as  Sea Urchin cactus. The plant belonging to this species, have rounded, distinctly ribbed stems that grows into clusters. The large and showy flowers are various shades of pink, depending on the cultivars. This cactus grows rapidly, and when they have reached  about 3 inches high, produce  beautiful  pink funnel shaped flowers on long tubes. These plant grows best with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Keep the soil slightly dry to the touch between thorough waterings from spring through fall  and should be kept dry in the winter.

Peanut Cactus ( Echinopsis Chamaecereus)

My Peanut Cactus

This is is well known as the peanut cactus because of its short stubby stems that resembles unopened peanut pods. It is very easy to grow. The showy flowers, which blooms in the Spring, comes in red, orange,purple and pink and last for a week or so. It  grows well in sun or partial shade, with hardiness up to 25 degrees.

EPIPHYLLUM

Epiphyllums are often referred to as night blooming cactus. They have rounded stems that become flat and two-ribbed in mature plants. The flowers are nocturnal, large and usually white,red, hot pink  or cream colored. The more common epiphyllums, also known as orchid cacti are now included in the genus Disocactus. The majority of the  plants with their red, hot pink or two toned flowers belong to one species called Disocactus Xhybridus.

My Epiphyllum

My epiphyllums started blooming in April this year, much earlier than last year. Even though the flowers last only for a week or so, it is well worth waiting for.

Succulent Crazy

I love growing and collecting succulents. I started about 15 years ago and have been propagating them  as a hobby and also selling them from my home. I have many varieties of echeveria, epiphyllum  and different cactus.  In the past 2 weeks, I have sold more than 140 pots at a garage sale. I also make succulent dish gardens and gift baskets.