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ABOUT THIS LEPISMIUM PLANT
Houlletianum Plant, Super zigzagging leaf edges come to life with small bell like white almost translucent flowers that open in the evening. If pollinated the small blooms transform into little red seed globes that pop when squeezed. Common to the lowland forests of South America, this showy ephyphitic cactus grows in a flowing and meandering fashion, making it perfect for hanging baskets on patios and courtyards. Lepismium aka Orchid Cactus – So called because of their enormous orchid-like, fragrant blooms. Lepismium are by far the best, most rewarding, maintenance free house and patio plants. Grown and collected primarily for the magnificent large fragrant flowers that if pollinated will produce a small edible fruit like the Pitaya. (Dragonfruit)
These are very healthy Orchid Cactus Plants with well established root systems. Lepismium make excellent hanging basket plants with their beautiful lacy leaves which grow 18 to 36 inches in length when planted in a well drained, sandy cactus mix. You can copy and paste Lepismium in the search below to find 150 other colorful varieties available throughout the year.
Please note: Some leaves may be trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress. The growth rate of Houlletianum will vary greatly depending on season, soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Always changing!
ORCHID CACTUS PLANT CARE
Houlletianum are very easy to grow plants that seem to grow best when neglected. They add a wonderful accent to any back yard garden or patio. In very cold zones a containerized Houlletianum can be brought inside for the winter months. Most will survive a very light frost and quickly return to normal in spring. In the northern end of their grow zone Houlletianum plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months.
When you receive your new plant open your box carefully and water if dry. Please take your time when opening. Most foliage damage occurs when the box is ripped open in the excitement of receiving new plants. Many plants, especially succulents, are fragile and leaves may snap easily if not handled cautiously.
CONTAINER SIZE
Orchid Cactus Plants grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 8″ to a 12″ diameter, 6″ deep container will suffice, however the smaller variety plants will do well in a small 6″ round pot. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a larger pot.
SOIL
Houlletianum enjoy well drained, sandy cactus mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky soils.
FERTILIZER
To help establish your new Houlletianum, fertilize sparingly, biannually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. WARNING – The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers may damage the roots thus killing the plant.
GROW ZONE & LIGHT
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This plant requires 65-80% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is best. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in this zone but must be brought inside for the winter months. (avoid frost)
BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS
Here at Kens Nursery these Orchid Cactus Plants are grown under 50% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you will experience leaf burn and possibly kill the plant. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE
All Orchid Cactus Plants for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Most plants designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here)
Note: Before leaving, plants are inspected and pruned if necessary to facilitate shipping. Your new Orchid Cactus Plant is then bagged to keep the soil moist, to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your plant is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased. You may want to buy Houlletianum online now while they are in stock.
