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Succulents have incredible adaptations to survive the inhospitable terrains they generally inhabit. Epiphyllum curly lock is an example of a cactus that uses its stems to capture more moisture and light.

Unusual, the plant has curly, curved stems which are the result of a mutation of a plant called Epiphyllum guatemalense.

In fact, the name for this mutated cactus is Epiphyllum guatemalense monstrosa.

The foliage of this Epiphyllum wants to twist and curl into great locks of flat, rich green foliage. The 3″ white flowers are rather small for an Epiphyllum. They open at night. Often, they are followed by small red, delicious, edible fruit.

Click to read The Why, When, Why, and Where Of Succulent Blooms.

In addition, this is an easy to care for plant and is sure to be a conversation piece!

Where are Epiphyllums found?

Epiphyllums are one of the few true jungle Cacti. They are often found growing with orchids and bromeliads. These plants are far removed from the forest floor. It is a jungle cactus. It has evolved to grow in very poor conditions.

These conditions include growing on trees, between rocks, or in a variety of otherwise less-than-optimal growing situations. The curly orchid cactus is an epiphyte. This type of plant survives on moisture and nutrients from the air. It can also derive them from other plants, or from water that the plant’s stems collect.

Epiphyllum plants are often called orchid cacti.

Propagating Epiphyllum  ‘Monstrosa’

Allow cut pieces to callus for several days, then plant them into an appropriate medium. Make your potting mix with 3 parts commercial potting soil and 1 part small to medium pumice. If pumice is not available, use bark chips or perlite.

The soil must hold moisture but drain quickly. Keep the cutting in low light until it roots. Do not let the medium dry out, but don’t let it get soggy either.

The Curly Lock Orchid Cactus cutting needs to be installed 1 or 2 inches below the soil at a serration.

Rooting should occur in a couple of weeks, and after that, the plant really takes off, producing new curled stems.

Curly Locks Orchid Cactus Care

The biggest danger is overwatering. The Curly Lock plant needs to have moist roots at all times. However, the roots should not be sitting in a dish of water. Make sure the top 1/3 of the soil is dry before watering. In late winter, expose the cactus to cooler temperatures to promote spring flowering.

As a result, keep them in the basement or a garage for a couple of weeks to spur bud formation.

Also, the biggest danger when raising Epiphyllums is lighting. Much as these plants grow in thick forests in the understory, and are used to dappled light at best.

Just like any plant, they need light but should be protected from bright midday light. Morning sun is preferable to indirect light the rest of the way. If you find a spot where the orchid is happy, leave it there. Orchids do not like change.

Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted weekly during the growing season. In February, feed the plant with a 2-10-10 to promote blooming.

Most of all, repot the cacti every 5 years. Remember, the plant only blooms when it is pot bound.  So you want to hold off for as long as possible

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