(The Return of) Melt Down

The plant grows like crazy, but Melt Down's bloom is definitely nice.  It was nice to see this bloom again in the Fall even though it bloomed earlier in the Spring.  I expect even more blooms in the Spring next year. 

German Empress aka Deutsche Kaiserin

German Empress aka Deutsche Kaiserin and possibly other names, is said to be hard to grow.  Perhaps I just got lucky.  The plant itself may deteriorate over time, but I do have a back-up potted elsewhere. Only time will tell.  In any case, when this one had buds, I left it alone out of curiosity, instead of pinching them off, to witness for myself the very slow opening of the flower over a span of weeks.  The first photo was taken perhaps three weeks after initially noticing the buds, and the last photo taken about two to three weeks after.

Cerenia A. Markey

Cerenia A. Markey didn't come out as I expected but undeniably addition to the first-time bloomers of 2012. It's an awesome grower and seems content with being a part of my Epiphyllum collection.

Impossible Dream

Impossible Dream isn't naturally with the wavy petals as shown.  The bud sort of developed a bit abnormally, but as with other blooming plants in my collection, I left it alone and just waited for it to unfold and this is what resulted.  It came out to be quite remarkable, which means the normal bloom next year might end up less interesting. 

Three Oranges

Three Oranges is one of my all-time favorites.  It's ironic that I have three different blooms on this still maturing plant, but each are just a reminder of why I'm so fond of the hybrid.  It's definitely a fast grower and a wonderful bloomer.  The different tones of orange are just captivating that whenever someone inquires about an orange one, I always recommend this one.

Blushing Star

Blushing Star was one of the first five Epiphyllums I started off with.  Considering it's been over a year of having the plant in my collection, it was definitely a great joy to see in bloom.  Surprisingly, it has matured with tons of buds waiting to unleash its loveliness.  So, I'll be seeing it bloom blushes of dark rose-pink for some time. 

Dragon Heart

Dragon Heart has a striking yet appealing name but it has a fitting look. Supposedly, each bloom from the same plant can vary in appearanc.  I missed the bloom by a day or two, so the flower was just starting to fade, but it definitely stood out among the other blooming plants. 

Wedding Bells

Wedding Bells is a lovely small bloom with white and pink petals.  The plant is still rooting.  Techinically, I should pinch off any blooms on rooting plants, but I just couldn't resist seeing this bloom myself. 

Calisto

Calisto was one of my first epiphyllums that bloomed.  It was practically the one that lured me into wanting more for my collection.  A beautiful white with outer yellow petals.  

Coral Dance

Coral Dance - I've been waiting for this one to bloom since last year, so it definitely a worthwhile wait considering it bloomed abundantly.

Shangri La

 

Another unexpected bloom - Shangri La.  It's definitely a beautiful one.  I acquired the plant as a bonus and in comparison to other Shangri La epiphyllums, this appears to be variegated.  Nonetheless, it makes it strikingly attractive.  I was fortunate to capture the stages of blooming.

Vista Sun

Vista Sun bloomed like crazy this year.  I loved the initial fragrance and the abundance of yellow flowers was truly beautiful.  One photo was taken in the morning, from above, and the other photo was taken as the sun was beginning to set, from below. Regardless, the vibrant yellow gives off a warm appeal.

Melt Down

This one is Melt Down.  I didn't expect this one to bloom this year either.  It's matured a lot since I've acquired it, so it was a welcome bloom after seeing Golden Jubilee.

Golden Jubilee

My first bloom of 2012 - Golden Jubilee.  I didn't expect this to bloom, but it did.  My first Epiphyllum plant I acquired upon joining the San Diego Epiphyllum Society.  It was truly a great way to start the blooming season.

Framework in Place for the New Year

I'm still in the process of designing and modifying the Epi House, but at least I was able to set up something in time for the New Year. These are snapshots of the collection. Cuttings that are still rooting inside my house are not included. I also have more cuttings that I need to start rooting, but I'll post up pics of those as soon as they are ready. I'm anxious to see what Spring brings.