The Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ Orchid Cactus is a distinctive plant, celebrated for its ornamental appeal and unique, twisting stems. This article provides guidance on cultivating this fascinating plant, covering its characteristics, care, bloom encouragement, and propagation.
Understanding Your Curly Locks Orchid Cactus
The Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum guatemalense monstrosa), also called Curly Sue, is a unique succulent. Its bright green, wavy, and contorted stems twist and spiral, creating its characteristic “curly locks” appearance, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets.
Unlike many desert cacti, this plant is epiphytic, growing on trees or in rock crevices in its native Central and South American rainforest habitats, without drawing nutrients from its host. It absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and accumulated debris. The plant is often called an “orchid cactus” due to its stunning, often large, and fragrant flowers that can resemble orchids. These white blooms, about 3 inches wide with 6-inch tubes, open at night for approximately 24 hours, an adaptation for moth and bat pollination.
Essential Care for Epiphyllum Curly Locks
Light Requirements
Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its rainforest habitat. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch stems, causing discoloration. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important. During the active growing season, allow the top one-third of the soil to dry completely between waterings. These plants are susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions, so good drainage is paramount. In cooler, dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly, to about once a month, to prevent the roots from rotting and to encourage future blooms.
Ideal Soil Mix
Given their epiphytic nature, ‘Curly Locks’ orchid cacti need a well-draining, airy potting mix that allows quick water runoff while retaining some moisture. A suitable mix combines commercial potting soil with amendments like perlite, pumice, or orchid bark. Avoid heavy garden soil or pure cactus soil, which retain too much moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ adapts well to average household temperatures, ideally 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect them from freezing temperatures below 32°F (0°C). As rainforest natives, they appreciate moderate to high humidity, ideally above 50%, though they can tolerate lower levels. Providing extra humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, can be beneficial and can be achieved through misting or placing the plant near a humidifier.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During the active growing season in spring and summer, fertilize regularly. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, diluted to half strength and applied weekly or bi-monthly, is often recommended. As fall approaches and into early winter, switch to a fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus content, such as a 2-10-10, to promote blooming. Cease fertilization entirely during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Encouraging Blooms
Encouraging your ‘Curly Locks’ orchid cactus to bloom involves specific environmental conditions and care practices. A cool, dry dormancy period in late fall to early winter is crucial for flower bud formation. During this time, expose the plant to cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 16°C), for several weeks. Reducing watering significantly and ceasing fertilization during this period signals to the plant that it is time to prepare for flowering.
Bright, indirect light during the blooming season supports healthy flower development. These plants tend to flower more readily when they are slightly pot-bound. Repotting too frequently into oversized containers can direct the plant’s energy towards root and foliage growth rather than flower production. Switching to a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer in late winter or early spring also contributes to prolific blooming.
Propagating Your Curly Locks
Propagating Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most common and effective method. Take a healthy stem cutting, typically 6 to 9 inches long. Allow it to “callus” or dry for several days to a week in a cool, dry spot; this prevents rot.
Plant the callused cutting 1 to 2 inches deep into a well-draining, airy potting mix. Place the potted cutting in bright, indirect light. Initially, water sparingly, keeping the soil lightly damp but not soggy. Roots typically form within two to six weeks, after which you can gradually increase watering.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While generally resilient, Epiphyllum ‘Curly Locks’ can encounter common issues. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing mushy stems and plant decline. Underwatering causes stems to shrivel. Adjust watering to allow the soil to dry adequately between waterings.
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient light, no cool dormancy, or nitrogen over-fertilization. Adjusting light, providing a winter chill, and using a high-phosphorus fertilizer can encourage flowering.
Pests like mealybugs or scale appear as small, raised bumps or cottony masses; address them with insecticidal soap or by physically removing them with rubbing alcohol. Sunburn, characterized by yellowing or reddening stems, occurs with too much direct sunlight. Moving the plant to filtered or indirect light prevents this damage.