The Orchid Garden

Question about orchid cactus flowers

Question:

        About a year and a half ago I bought an orchid cactus in full bloom.  Unfortunately, it turned out the cactus had a mealybug infestation, and by the time I managed to cure it a lot of the older, large leaves had died.  The plant has since recovered, but most of the leaves are now younger and thinner, and there were no flowers at all this year.  Do the buds only appear on the thicker stems?  I’d like to get it to flower again but I’m wondering if I’ll have to wait until the newer stems age.         Larry

Response:

   About a year and a half ago I bought an orchid cactus in full bloom.  Unfortunately, it turned out the cactus had a mealybug infestation, and by the time I managed to cure it a lot of the older, large leaves had died.  The plant has since recovered, but most of the leaves are now younger and thinner, and there were no flowers at all this year.  Do the buds only appear on the thicker stems?  I’d like to get it to flower again but I’m wondering if I’ll have to wait until the newer stems age.    Larry

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllums) are diverse hybrids and there can be considerable variability.  But, generally speaking, they bloom on 2 to 4 year old stems. Too much, or the wrong kind, of fertilizer in the late Fall, or any in December, January and early February, can also keep them from blooming.  Two applications of 0-10-10 or similar around the middle of November and again at the end of February will help promote blooming. After blooming and until approximately the middle of October, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is generally recommended. FWIW, Gary

Response:

        About a year and a half ago I bought an orchid cactus in full bloom.  Unfortunately, it turned out the cactus had a mealybug infestation, and by the time I managed to cure it a lot of the older, large leaves had died.  The plant has since recovered, but most of the leaves are now younger and thinner, and there were no flowers at all this year.  Do the buds only appear on the thicker stems?  I’d like to get it to flower again but I’m wondering if I’ll have to wait until the newer stems age.

Epiphyllum and its relatives are tropical cactus.  They need very fast-draining soil with little water in the winter and water 1-2 times a week in the summer.  They prefer bright light but not direct sunlight. Only feed (low nitrogen) after blooming.   Sunset says they "are quite spineless."  Ouch!  Sunset lied.

Response:

Filed under: Orchid Flower

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