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Bruin
Zafferan & Astronaut
Agathe & Bruin & Jennifer Anne
Celestine & Jennifer Anne
Jennifer Anne with buds |
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About
Welcome to my homepage "orchid-cactus.com". I have been growing Epiphyllums throughout the last 20 years. I started with two epiphyllums, Ackermanii and Deutsche Kaiserin, which have been in the family for two generations. The collection did since increase with some cuttings collected during vacation in France. However, it was first after the evolution of the Internet, the collection increased, by purchases from websites in Great Britain, Holland and USA.
My collection consists, so far, of 32 different epiphyllums, of which 23 are blooming regulary. The remaining are still too young.
Epiphyllums are fascinating plants. They live on the surface of trees in the rain forest, together with other epiphytes, such as orchids and bromeliads. They are true epiphytes, taking their nourishment from all the material collected in the forks of the large trees in the canopy of the rain forest. The leaves of the epi's are modified stems, with areoles at the sides, where the flowers are produced. In a household collection they only flower once a year, in spring and then only after having been taken properly care of during the winter. Epiphyllums are a family with a wide range of different flowers.
The native epiphyllum also named American species bloom at night; they have mostly large white flowers and many have very lovely fragrances. The flowers last only one night. Hybridizing enthusiasts have produced day-blooming epi's in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. The flowers of these hybrids, have the most fantastic colors, from pure white to cream, yellow, pink, red, orange and violet. The flowers of the hybrids open during the evening, and last for one or two days at the most. The size varies from about 6 cm to 25 cm.
Epiphyllums are relatively easy to grow, if you just follow a few simple steps. They can be kept indoors the year round or outdoors during summertime and in a temperature controlled indoor garden during the winter, depending on where you live.
It is my hope that these plants will fascinate you as much, as they have me.
Poul Sindberg Eriksen
orchid-cactus.com
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