Mid-Atlantic Gardening: FIRST FLOWERS ALMOST SUMMER 2015, 1 by Gitagal

Gitagal wrote:
SS--

On your comment re the Ric Rac blooming---It is not an Epi
that blooms at night. None of mine are. They all bloom in the daytime
and the blooms last about 3-4 days.

Just for fun--here is how you can tell (at least on my Epi #2) that
a bloom is coming...I noticed this when I had the big bloom flush of it.

1--There is a reddish/pinkish "vein" that emanates from the main vein
if the frond. Then--it starts as a tight bud where it exits, grows out in a tight bud
and soon opens as the bloom. I don't know if they all do this??

2 & 3--This was in July, 2011. When it bloomed so beautifully..
I had NEVER before seen it bloom. I was blown away!

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BTW--Any broken off pieces of this Epi root very quickly and grow pretty fast.
I have a few rooted starts. Anyone want one?I'll put your name on it.!

Yes! You have to bring it in for the winter--and, YES!--it grows large and sprawled
and can get very heavy. Also--very ugly. Nothing to get excited about
when it comes to looks--until you see it bloom. Just warning you......

4--You need to plant it in a sturdy HB that has WIRE HANGERS!
It can get VERY heavy and lopsided- need a serious hook to hang it from.
See what I mean?

5---This is Epi #1 (Ackermanii) from June, 2012.
It has a more "orderly" growth habit. It bloomed so prettily--covered in blooms.
Will see what this year brings.........both Epis are newly re-growing...

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OK! I just wanted to let you see what this Epi thing is all about. For me!

Go to the Orchid cactus Forum and you will get your fill!
"Orchid man" is the GURU htere.