The scarlet flowers have greenish throats and are funnel-shaped, 11–14 cm long. Fertilized flowers are followed by green to brownish red fruits, 4 cm long and 2 – 2.5 cm wide. It blooms in spring, the flowers tend to open in the afternoon or evening and remain open both night and day for several days.
Scientific classification:
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Disocactus
Species: D. ackermannii
Scientific Name: Disocactus ackermannii
Synonyms: Cactus ackermannii, Epiphyllum ackermannii, Heliocereus ackermannii, Nopalxochia ackermannii, Weberocereus ackermannii.
Common Names: Orchid Cactus, Strap Cactus, Red Orchid Cactus, Leaf cacti.
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| source: http://phytoimages.siu.edu/ |
How to Grow and Care
Soil:
Best mixture for this plant to thrive is 3 parts potting soil to 1 part pumice, bark chips, or perlite. Pumice is preferred.
Re-Potting:
As the root system expands, your plant will need to be re-potted. Every 2 years, move the plant to a single size larger pot. Do not remove the soil from around the roots during transplant. Instead, shake the excess off, and fill in the gaps around the roots with new soil. Never re-pot within a month of blooming.
Flowering:
Never disturb a plant that is actively flowering except to water it. Flowers of the orchid cactus form green tubes at the base, which spread out into 4-6 inch (10-16 cm) blossoms. These are shades of bright red, with yellow stamen in the center. The flowering process occurs in mid-spring, and, once open, blooms will remain open day and night. They will produce a small seed bearing fruit.
Light:
It thrives best in the bright, but indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause brown spots.
During the growing period the plants need frequent watering; from October to March and waterings should be rather abundant, so that the soil becomes completely soaked, but let dry between watering. Keep relatively dry in winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C. Disocactus dislike extreme heat and cold, so they are best green-housed during the depth of winter and heat of summer in hot dry climates such as mine.
Temperature:
To set flower buds, the plant needs cool 60-65°F/16-18°C days and 45°F-55°F/7-13°C nights. Once buds set, 70°F-75°F/21-24°C days and 60°F-70°F/16-21°C nights. Plant death can occur at below 50°F (10°C)...– See more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR DISOCACTUS
