In article , "Volfie"
wrote:

Has anyone ever bought a "rooted" plant off eBay? Is this a good practice
or not? I see dozens of ads for Orchid cactus' and I would love to get one
that way.

Giselle (what say you? Will it work or not?)

Once you've gotten the knack of starting orchid cacti from a fresh
cutting, it will seem like the easiest thing on earth to do. But seems to
me just about everyone starting out lacks that knack & their leaves either
dry out, or rot, without adequately rooting. Because it's easy if you've
done it before, but iffy if you've not, I wouldn't pay much for a leaf, as
it might not take. Otherwise, yes, it's a good way to go -- though usually
such starts can be had for free if you've any friend or family member with
an orchid cactus or two.

If you do a google search using search terms like "epiphyllum + sale +
trade" you will find many devoted fans of these plants who have orchid
cacti websites. Everyone deeply into it trades leaves to get other
varieties, but if you have nothing to trade, the same people will often
sell a leaf, sometimes even one that is already well rooted, charging
hardly any more than postage cost. There are also some e-lists you can
sign up for from people discussing orchid cacti, & people on these lists
also trade or sell cuttings cheaply.

They grow pretty fast whether you start them from leaves or buy a small
potted start from a houseplant specialist or a cacti & succulent
speciaolist or indoor sunshop. Just about any variety you stumble upon
will bloom easily, except a type called zigzag cactus, it almost never
blooms, but has way interesting leaves.

-paghat the ratgirl

--
"Of what are you afraid, my child?" inquired the kindly teacher.
"Oh, sir! The flowers, they are wild," replied the timid creature.
-from Peter Newell's "Wild Flowers"
Visit the Garden of Paghat the Ratgirl: http://www.paghat.com