The Curly Orchid Cactus, known scientifically as Epiphyllum guatemalense f. monstrosa, is a unique and captivating houseplant with distinctive curly stems. While its foliage is appealing, the true spectacle lies in its beautiful flowers. This article explores the plant’s blooming characteristics and provides guidance on encouraging abundant flowers.
Understanding the Curly Orchid Cactus
The curly orchid cactus, often called “curly locks epiphyllum” or “curly sue,” is a mutated form of Epiphyllum guatemalense. Its most notable feature is the wavy, twisted, or curly structure of its stems. This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows on other plants, typically trees, without drawing nutrients from them. These jungle cacti originate from the tropical forests of Central and South America.
Characteristics and Timing of the Bloom
The flowers of the curly orchid cactus are a true highlight, often appearing as large, trumpet-shaped blooms. They typically range in color from white to light pink. A remarkable feature of these flowers is their nocturnal blooming habit; they open at dusk and usually last for only one night, fading by sunrise. Many of these blooms are also fragrant. The typical bloom season for mature plants is from late spring to early summer.
Encouraging Abundant Blooms
Achieving abundant blooms on a curly orchid cactus requires attention to specific environmental conditions and care practices. Providing bright, indirect light is important, as direct sunlight can scorch the stems and hinder flowering. An east-facing window can provide suitable morning sun, while afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent damage.
Temperature plays a key role in stimulating bud formation. Ideal growing temperatures range between 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (15-28°C). To encourage flowering, the plant benefits from a cooler period in fall and winter, with temperatures dropping to around 50-59°F (10-15°C) for several weeks. This cooler dormancy period mimics its natural seasonal changes and signals the plant to prepare for blooming.
Consistent watering during the active growing season allows the top one-third to half of the soil to dry out between waterings. During the cooler dormancy period in winter, watering should be reduced, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between applications. This mimics drier natural conditions.
Moderate to high humidity levels are beneficial for these tropical cacti. While they can tolerate average household humidity, providing additional humidity through misting or a nearby humidifier helps. Fertilization also supports flowering; a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be used during the growing season. Switching to a high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 2-10-10) in late winter or early spring can further promote bud development.
The curly orchid cactus thrives in well-draining soil, similar to orchid or succulent mixes, often containing peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark. These epiphytic cacti also bloom more readily when they are slightly pot-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary. Plants need to reach a certain level of maturity before they begin to flower.
Troubleshooting Blooming Issues
If a curly orchid cactus is not blooming, several factors might be contributing to the issue. Insufficient light is a common reason; if the plant is not receiving enough bright, indirect light, it may not have the energy to produce flowers. Moving the plant to a brighter location, such as an east-facing window, can resolve this.
A lack of a proper dormancy period inhibits blooming. If the plant is kept too warm or watered too frequently during the winter months, it may not experience the necessary stress to initiate bud formation. Incorrect fertilization, such as too much nitrogen which promotes foliage growth over flowers, is also a factor. Ensuring a high-phosphorus fertilizer is used before the blooming season can help.
The immaturity of the plant is another consideration; young plants may not have reached the size or age required to flower. Environmental stress, including sudden temperature changes, pests, or overwatering leading to root rot, also prevents blooms. Addressing these issues and adjusting care can encourage future flowering.