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.

Two Plus Three

Acquired Irette and Venetian Affair. My interest in how the flowers will turn out once mature enough was piqued. It might be a while before these will be of blooming age, considering they are still youthful, but it'll be worth the wait, I'm sure.

After helping out at Epi House at the Safari Park, the president of the SD Epiphyllum Society thanked me with cuttings from Tiny Flame and Orange Icing. As for the Louisa Irwin cutting, it was given to me for free. I love the rooting process. It takes a while and sure some cuttings fail and that's disappointing, but it's when they show signs of life and growth that makes it all worth the while.

Additional Four

Above is Seven Seas and Star Flight. If you haven't noticed I have the tendency to acquire epiphyllums based on the names. I was thinking "Sea and Stars" for this pair.

Paradise and Shangri-La were the other two I, the first I intended to get, the second was given to me for free. The winter has been bitter so far, and I haven't officially set up a way to protect the epiphyllums from the harsh cold yet. Unfortunately, parts of my collection is struggling against the low temperatures. On the other hand, the majority of them are doing rather well.

November Acquisitions

At the November SDES Meeting, I ended up winning three cuttings through a Silent Auction and the others from the monthly raffle. Some of these cuttings were divided into smaller cuttings since they were originally suprisingly big and long. From left to right, the cuttings are Beautiful Isle, Mango Tango, Misty Rose, White Wings, Emanuel, Tele, and Oran Cha Cha. Since it's been getting colder and colder outside, I'll be keeping these inside the house, as they go through the rooting process. Once night time temperatures elevate to be warmer, I'll have these brought out to join the rest of my collection.

The Couple, Glow Buddies, and Dreamers

Over a span of three weeks, I attained at least seven additional epiphyllums to add to my collection. All of them were purchased from others via eBay, but I'm sure in my care, they'll grow healthier and stronger than ever.

Although I started rooting some Falling In Love cuttings that I got in August, I couldn't help but get and repot one that had already rooted for a few seasons now. On the right, I also got and repotted You're the One. Side by side, I named Falling in Love and You're the One... The Couple.

It wasn't my intention but I realized I had attained and repotted Glow Buddies - Glow Bug and Golden Glow. Of course, they don't glow, but it sure does illuminate the name itself with it's own appeal. Finally, I named these three... Dreamers, with its dash of imagination, touch of royalty, and sense of appeal. From left to right, they are Fantasy Dragon, King of Siam, and Ambrosia. These three, in particular aren't exactly in great condition right now but by next year, I'll turn it all around and have these better than ever.