Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Epicatus

Q. I have just bought 7 cuttings from an Epicatus. I have them almost root bound and I'm needing to know what type of soil does these plants take! Do they take a cactus soil? Or, do they take the soil that you put into regular Orchids? Since Orchids grow in tree bark is it the same as growing a Orchid cactus?

A. Many of the 15 species grow in tree just as orchids do. Others prefer a soil mix, well-drained, with organic material and sand added. A cactus mix would be fine if it has some organic material added. Check the label. I have never grown mine in straight bark, for they require a sufficient amount of water, more than what the bark will hold.