NOPALXOCHIA PHYLLANTHOIDES (DEUTSCHE KAISERIN) aka 'German Empress'
This is one of the oldest known species of the cascading free-flowering variety (B. & R.). Its true origin is not known. In 1651 it was found growing in Colombia, South America, and was figured by Hernandez in that year.
It is also found growing in Mexico as Nopalxochia phyllanthoides, has travelled through many countries for many centuries and been known by many names, but the name that has remained is Deutsche Kaiserin, or German Empress, which was given to it by a German botanist.
Thus do we span the ages from the Aztec to the modern European. And while we know this species only from cultivated forms, we do know also that it was used as a parent in making hybrids many generations ago, although in the past we have not found many of this size and formation.
These new Deutsche Kaiserin crosses were made with great consideration given to the retention of the small, graceful flower and compact growth. These hybrids have retained many of her fine qualities, her floriferousness, fine growth and delicate formation, to which have been added fine combinations of colors and greater vigor of growth. These dainty flowers may be enjoyed from the time their buds start forming until in full bloom. They flower over a long period of time and frequently give flowers out of season.
Any of these plants do well in baskets or pots; they are more attractive and graceful when allowed to follow their natural, cascading habits. The plant stems are small and compact; they require more protection from extreme heat and cold than the larger flowering types because of the finer growth. Exposure to extreme cold may cause the plant stems to become mushy; when this occurs cut the stems back to where you have healthy tissue; the wound may be dusted with a Hormone powder and kept dry for a few days. The one thing which is most harmful is allowing the sun to strike a plant that has been exposed to extreme cold; this will cause a burn which will have the appearance of rust; in case of extreme exposure to strong sun, brown spotting or blistering may occur, having the appearance of a disease. Planting instructions for the species and hybrids are the same as for other varieties.
..... reproduced from Theresa M. Monmonier's Ventura Epiphyllum Gardens Descriptive Catalog 1950
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