Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...

My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 13 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.

This time, we would like to introduce Epiphyllum chrysocardium, which is growing well even in our home environment.
However, since this is a species that is not easy to raise, we cannot afford to let our guard down.

What kind of plant is Epiphyllum chrysocardium ?

This cactus is native to Mexico and is a member of the peacock cactus family, similar to the moonflower, which has long been popular in Japan.

A similar jagged cactus is the famous "Angliger" (fishbone cactus).

In terms of how it's grown, I personally think it's similar to the forest cactus known as Rhipsalis. I water it more than I would a regular cactus.

It grew and grew

I also grow the fishbone cactus mentioned above.
However, if you don't grow it properly, it will either die (rot) or the jagged edges won't come out nicely.
Although we know that the cause is the cold and lack of sunlight, it's difficult to know how bad it is...
It doesn't look plump and fleshy.

Because of that impression , I was very worried about Chrysocardium.
However, there is no need to worry as the company is experiencing rapid growth.
Even in a less than favorable sunlight environment, it has grown strong, wavy leaves.
And it grows more and more. You'll want to say, "That's enough."
I don't know how big it will get.
The good thing about it is that it can be grown in a hanging pot even when it gets big.

dry soil

I use the soil that came with it when I bought it.
It's like a coco chip based soil.
It is old and has become very stiff.

It's not very good, but it drains extremely well, so I decided to hold off on repotting it until spring.
Looking at the rate of growth, it seems safer to manage fishbone with Coco Chips.

I grow my houseplants in inorganic soil because keeping them indoors means poor ventilation and the pots don't dry out easily.
A mixture of hard Akadama soil, Hyuga soil, and Ezo sand in a 6:2:2 ratio. Emphasis on drainage.
However, coco chips alone drains better and dries faster, so I will try a combination of Akadama and coco chips the next time I repot it.

Plant Gachimeter

Finally, I'll give "Epiphyllum chrysocardium" a score based on my very personal opinion.

Ease of growing: 15 points. There are still some unknowns, so I'm a bit worried about watering it when I change the soil.

Ease of pruning: The cross section of the 16-point leaves is a concern when pruning. They grow towards the light, so it's OK if you turn them occasionally.

・Growth speed: 18 points
The growing season is from May to October, and it's fun to watch them grow so quickly.

・Suitability for Osaka: 18 points The only thing to be careful of is the cold. It seems to be fine in the heat.

・Likeability: 17 points A kind girl who helps me regain my confidence in gardening.

Total score: 84 points

That's all, Editor-in-Chief.

Author: Suzuki Edited by: Kambara