Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - July 01, 2014
From: Round Rock, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Can non-native Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus) be grown in Round Rock, Texas?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Can the Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus) be grown in the Round Rock Texas area or is this area too hot for it?ANSWER:
First of all, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of plants native to North America. The Epiphyllum cactus is an introduced species from Central and South America so it isn't really in our area of focus and expertise. It is a fascinating plant, however, and I can point you to several sources for information about it. First, there is How to Grow Epiphyllum Cactus that indicates that winter temperatures are going to be more of a problem than summer temperatures. You can also check out the Epiphyllum Society of America site that might be of interest. For more information you should try googling "Epiphyllum".
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Runaway Agave Americana from Pacific Palisades CA
April 29, 2013 - We live near open space on Santa Monica Mountain State Park. Our Association planted non-native, invasive Agave Americanas all over the adjacent slopes, and we are trying to get the exploding pups and...
view the full question and answer
No blooms on Spineless Prickly Pear in Austin
June 07, 2012 - I've had a spineless prickly pear planted in the shade for about 3 years. It has done just fine there, but has never bloomed. I recently moved it to a full sun location(I'm in north Austin) and cove...
view the full question and answer
Overwintering Yucca Seedlings in Illinois
October 02, 2013 - I have many yucca seedlings I started this year. My question is what do I need to do with them to overwinter here in Northern Illinois and when do I plant them in the ground for best chances of survi...
view the full question and answer
What to do about cold damage to spineless prickly pear?
March 05, 2010 - In Austin, Texas our 'spineless' prickly pear cactus is about 6' wide by 4' tall. In the last severe freeze, the top half flattened out and has remained that way. Should I cut the flattened pads o...
view the full question and answer
Freeze damage on Barrel Cactus in Llano TX
March 04, 2011 - I believe my barrel cactus has freeze damage. The flesh turned yellow and is now turning dark. The base is still green. If I cut off the damaged top portion, leaving the green base, should it survive?...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |