The Saga Thickens...

Date:	Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:08:42 -0700 (PDT)
From:	yellowcap
Subject:	the orchid cactus saga...

After studying epiphyllums on the internet, I wonder if I have ever
seen my orchid cactus "bloom." I don't think I have ever seen the full
bloom.

From what I read, I get the idea they open at night.  I have never
stayed up to see them open.  I must see the pre and post bloom. The
current bud is beginning to wither.

Some people report a fragrance when they bloom. I have never noticed
it.

I'd like to try to propagate more plants from this one.

I've been to a lot of gardening sites on the web. Hoorah for the
internet.

Hugs,
yellowcap
The kid who loves plants but has a purple thumb

My friend B. wrote back that the orchid cactus blooms in the middle of the night.

I said:
I've never seen the trumpet part. Isn't that funny! I was so in awe of the bloom itself that I thought I'd seen the whole thing! Now it is gone. Completely disappeared! I wonder if an animal came and took it. I am looking forward to next time when I will know to stay up later at night and check on it! Does it open several nights repeatedly?

Yellowcap,

It should be open just like a trumpet, or you are not seeing it. They do open at night and then close early in the morning, although on a heavily overcast day they can remain open throughout the morning.

B.