Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What potting soil to use with a night blooming cereus?

I just got a cutting in the mail and don't know whether or not to use an epiphytic orchid soil (i.e.bark) or a cactus sand. This actually isn't a cereus. It is technically an "Epiphyllum oxypetalum." Most people know it though as a night blooming cereus.

What potting soil to use with a night blooming cereus?
Since epiphyllums grow in the crotch of trees, they like a soil miix with a lot of leafmold in it. Do not use an epiphytic orchid soil or cactus sand. You can make you own with a good potting soil and a lot of clean, well aged compost, and maybe 10% sand for good drainage, but not too much, as epiphytes' roots should never completely dry out.





I've always had several growing, including one given to me by a woman who had it for 25 years without it ever blooming. I've had it for twenty with not better luck, but a friend has one he's shaped into a tree and he gets 25-40 flowers every year. The night blooming cereus is the jungle variety from which the hybrid epiphyllums were developed.
Reply:cow poop
Reply:Hi. You are correct in the name. My "cereus" is set to bloom and has been doing so every August since I got it three years ago as a gift form my daughter. I repotted into a 14" pot last year using regular light potting mix and it seems to be doing just fine. Not very particular in my experience. Enjoy!
Reply:we had a cereus that we enjoyed for years, we would set the alarm so we could get up in the middle of the night to watch it bloom


Cereus need to be potted in the cactus mix


Which is the more popular hobby, keeping orchids or keeping cacti?

Any references on this would be appreciated.

Which is the more popular hobby, keeping orchids or keeping cacti?
I don't know much about the cacti crowd, but the orchid crowd is huge...





http://www.orchidweb.org/aos/about/page1...
Reply:orchids by far ,they take far more work but they are much nicer to look at


I am moving across country and have many houseplants. What is a good way to pack them for a 3 day trip?

Should I keep them in their pots? Or is there an easier way?Also, some of the plants are large and fragile drooping varieties (orchid cactus). How can I pack those without breaking off the segments? Should the plants be watered right before moving or will the lack of sun put them at risk for rot?

I am moving across country and have many houseplants. What is a good way to pack them for a 3 day trip?
I am a daughter of a business that ran for over fifty years and its right up my alley.


My business is Hubbard's Westside Gardens (Plants)


Moving huh? Here is what you do pertaining to the watering concern of yours. : Watering purposes use ice cubes they 'll do just the job you need to keep them watered on a timed schedule. And your time of worry also is lowered.


As far as packing and transporting the orchid cactus(zygo cactus) they are just lovely aren't they? They are also easy to prepare for traveling. Here is that: Use packing paper or newspaper...wrap around the container either tape or use hot glue to secure paper raising and securing the plant completely. Also add ice. If some branches break off don't sweat it .....transplant it when you get to your destination.


One more thought: You have plant hangers macrame hangers you can always attach to the inside of the truck/van up top on the inside and let them swing freely depending on how much you have in your vehicle. Hope this helps you and travel safely. From northern california Chico.


cornbread196@sbcglobal.net Lin Best
Reply:When I moved from Texas To Florida I had to rent a u haul...I Packed all of my plants at the very back of the truck to where they were right there when you opened the door..It took me 3 days from Central Texas to the Florida keys and when I stopped and rested I checked the water and if watering was needed I kept a large spray bottle of water and watered them..this way they werent excessivly watered and it drained out getting on my other belongings..I opened the back door for some sunlight as I could..sometimes just 20 minutes or so at rest stops..as I got refreshments, and used the facilities as my needs demanded...If you stay at a hotel during any daylight hours..back the truck up near your motel window and open up the door to receive more sunlight..You have to load the truck properly so items do not shift and fall on the plants..I made A barrier from some old plywood seperating furniture/belongings/plants so not to damage any..I didn't lose any at all..but I did lose a few branches etc..You also need to open the door at some agfriculture check points to let the officers see what you have and all..coming to florida I had to do this..and fill out a simple form about where the plants were going, would they be planted in the ground,stay in pots etc...The4 officers really appreciated the visual access of the plants versus me unloading items for them to see what I had
Reply:What region of the country will you be driving through?


And what type of vehicle will you be using?





I've moved across country 3 times and sadly I just sold or gave my plants away. I didn't want to risk killing them, so I made sure they went to good homes and just started over with my plant collection when I got settled again.

Fashion

In virtual villagers 3 where are all the plants for the potions?

I know where the black orchid, cactus, rose plant and tiger lilly are but theres a pitcher plant that I cant seem to find. Does anyone know where it is and are there others im missing?

In virtual villagers 3 where are all the plants for the potions?
There are actually seven different plants but two of them don't appear until you reach certain tech levels. This website shows the location of each plant (it also tells you everything you need to know to complete the game so don't read everything if you want to figure stuff out for yourself):


http://www.virtualvillagers3.net/tips/vi...
Reply:The pitcher and berry plant only appear after you get level 2 in your fraction (nature or magic). They will be near the bushes on the left side of the alchemy lab.





There is also the lotus plant near the bath stairs.


R U an Rose, Daisey Or a cactus Flower? Or are you a Orchid?

I think I might be a gerbera daisy.

R U an Rose, Daisey Or a cactus Flower? Or are you a Orchid?
I am a human being


What type of Soil for Dendrobium Orchid?

I just recieved an orchid - not the whole orchid with flowers but the plant with roots intact with no flowers yet.





What type of soil should I use? I have cactus mix, is that any good?

What type of Soil for Dendrobium Orchid?
almost every dendrobium i ever grew bought or sold was planted in small lava rock. it is a good anchoring material and never rots, it is especially good because it will keep the dendrobium upright ---the canes can get very tall and heavy.


salinization isn't as much of a problem with lava rock.


lava rock holds the proper amount of moisture and air.





cactus mix wouldn't be advised because it is not tight enough to anchor the orchid in place, it will break down over time, it has a tendency to retain salts and minerals that are not needed by the orchid.
Reply:You can get special orchid mix soil. best thing to do is to be careful of watering as it can rot the roots, and keep it in a regular temperate area with enough light.


our heating died for 2 and a half weeks over the winter and it killed my orchid - devestated!!!! good luck :)
Reply:fine-grade Fir-bark and orchid mix. Medium-grade Fir-bark works well in larger pots. High-nitrogen fertilizers (25-9-9) can be used year-round at one teaspoon per gallon of water. Feed once a month.
Reply:No - don't use any type of soil.





Orchids are epyphites and need a fast-draining stable support for their root system.





Get some orchid potting medium at your local garden center.





See source for information on growing orchids in your home.


How do i look after a Jewel Orchid?

My boyfriend bought me a Jewel Orchid as a gift and i have never looked after plants apart from Cactus, which in all fairness don't need looking after.





does anyone have any tips for looking after this type of orchid or orchid in general?





I.E... how do i water them, how many times a day, best place to keep them etc.





Thanks in advance

How do i look after a Jewel Orchid?
Place your "Jewel Orchid" in bright filtered light. Avoid placing your plant in an area with cold drafts or to near a cold window. Your "Jewel Orchid" should produce 3 to 5 flower spikes once a year between November and January. Check for watering weekly allowing the surface of the soil to dry. Feed bi-monthly with Orchid Food. Stem cuttings can be rooted in a container of water or vermiculite.
Reply:Well Orchids are very easy to maintain, keep them away from cold weather and away from direct sunlight. I keep mine outside but i live in Malaysia but they love this weather they grow like never before, well I water them once a week and i soak the lower part of the pot in water for half an hour every now and then and spray them every 3- 4 days. Also put organic sheep fertilizer in it and charcoal is very important, and good luck. Hope it works with you.

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