Epiphyllum cv. Fruhlingsgold

Epiphyllum cv. Fruhlingsgold is a small to medium Epiphyllum hybrid by Kurt Petersen (Epiphyllum cv. Reward x Disocactus macranthus). It produces yellow funnel-form flowers with a medium to intense scent of lemon in the late spring, early summer. This variety can produce many buds on one stem, if they are all left on the stem to become mature blooms they will be small 5cm light yellow flowers. If only one or two buds are left on a stem, flowers can reach up to 10-18cm. Resist moving the plant when buds have formed as they are likely to drop off. Blooms typically last a few days.

Stems are unsegmented, succulent and flattened, they develop a thick midrib and become woody at the base.

Genus' name comes from the Greek ‘epi’ meaning ‘upon’ and ‘phyllo’ meaning ‘leaf’; it was thought that the flowers emerged from a leaf but those leaves are stems. The cultivar name means ‘Spring Gold’.

Pot: ø 12cm.

Height: Approximately 30cm from base of pot.

Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. Extra light in the early spring will stimulate budding.

Water: Allow the majority of the mix to dry out about 3/4. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. It is recommended that in January or February you stop watering for about 4 weeks, this is to aid in flower formation

Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings; you could also add some horticultural charcoal to this epiphytic mix. Re-pot when the plant has finished blooming.

Fertilising: Feed your plant with a cactus fertiliser every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.

Temperature: 18-26°C, no lower than 12°C.

Humidity: Epiphyllum would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.