Hello, I am a newbie here finding you on a search for plant identification. I found this plant in our senior living complex, in the laundry room. I felt sorry for it and brought it home. It was very small, and I re-potted it. I set it outdoors for the summer and it thrived. I had to re-pot it again. Now, two years later, it has grown into, I think, a lovely hugh cactus of some type. I just don't know what it is. I water it maybe once a month. It has picky spines on the "leaves." Not sure if that is the correct word. Does it bloom? Do I fertilize? Any information you have will let me take good care of this plant. Thank you very much. Faye
Just fyi, they aren't true leaves. They are modified stems, that serve the same purpose as leaves, but only a very few, mainly primitive cactus, like pereskia, have true leaves. The majority have spines or bristles, which can vary widely in size, type and even colour. The flowers on an epi like this can be absolutely spectacular. If you see buds coming, be patient, it takes awhile for them to develop, and many grow quite a long 'neck' before the bud begins to swell and colour up. Generally they bloom once a year, in spring or summer, but might throw out a bud or two at other times. Flower colours vary, but many are reds or pinks. Every aureole on each stem, those little fuzzy bumps along the edges, can produce a flower bud, or a new branch. Flowers can be quite large. The plant itself can become quite large and heavy, so if you have it hanging, make sure it's in a good sturdy container with a strong hanger.
As for watering, etc., since they do tend to flower in spring or summer, it's best to water them well during the growing season, and then water less during the winter months. As the light begins to get stronger, around the end of February, you can gradually increase the water and try feeding with each watering. Something balanced, and whatever the directions say, only make it one quarter strength if you plan to feed with each watering. With any luck, you should start to see some buds at some point. They do like to be outside in summer, but not in direct sunlight. Some shade is best, and bring them in before it gets too cold at night, well before frost. Inside, they want a good bright window for the winter. You can always cut it back if it gets too big to manage, and root the cuttings. Only fair to warn you, not all epi's bloom regularly, and sometimes they can be very frustrating if flowers are what you are wanting most. Lots of discussion groups and pages on the net with loads of information on these lovely plants you can look up for detailed information too.
Question was also answered here. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/namegal/msg1016014129719.html?2
