{"product_id":"epiphyllum-curly-sue-curly-locks-orchid-cactus-trailing","title":"Epiphyllum Curly Sue | Curly Locks Orchid Cactus Trailing","description":"\u003ch1\u003eEpiphyllum 'Curly Sue' - The Whimsical Curly Locks Cactus\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepare to fall in love with \u003cstrong\u003eEpiphyllum 'Curly Sue'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a wonderfully whimsical jungle cactus with personality to spare! This delightful monstrose mutation features gorgeously twisted, curling stems that cascade like vibrant green ribbons, creating a living sculpture that's guaranteed to be a conversation starter in any home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally from the rainforests of Guatemala, Curly Sue is an epiphytic cactus that grows on trees in its natural habitat, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the humid air. The 'monstrose' form is a naturally occurring mutation that produces those fantastic contorted stems instead of the typical flat, strap-like growth of regular Epiphyllums. The result is a plant that looks like it's having the best hair day of its life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Epiphyllum Curly Sue?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniquely Beautiful!\u003c\/strong\u003e Twisted, curling stems create stunning sculptural displays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNight-Blooming Flowers!\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces fragrant white flowers that open after dark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEdible Fruit!\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-pollinated flowers produce delicious mini dragon fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for Hanging!\u003c\/strong\u003e Cascading growth looks amazing in hanging baskets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Safe!\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Care!\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives with minimal attention once established.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConversation Starter!\u003c\/strong\u003e A truly unique plant that everyone notices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Distinctive Look\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurly Sue's charm lies in those wonderfully twisted stems. Unlike typical Epiphyllums with flat, smooth growth, this monstrose variety produces contorted, ribbon-like stems that curl and spiral in unexpected directions. The bright green, fleshy stems have a smooth texture and grow close together, creating the appearance of gorgeous thick green locks that cascade beautifully from a hanging basket or trail over the edge of a shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stems can reach up to 60cm or longer, branching as they grow to create a fuller, more impressive display over time. New growth emerges in a lighter green shade before maturing to a deeper, richer tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there are the flowers! When conditions are right, Curly Sue produces stunning white blooms up to 15cm across on long tubes. These fragrant flowers are night-blooming, opening at dusk and fading by sunrise, making them a magical surprise to discover. If the flowers self-pollinate, they're followed by small red fruit that looks and tastes like miniature dragon fruit!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a jungle cactus, Curly Sue thrives in bright indirect light rather than the intense sun that desert cacti prefer. A position with morning sun and filtered light for the rest of the day is ideal. East-facing windows work beautifully, or a spot near a north or west-facing window where harsh afternoon rays are diffused.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood light encourages healthy growth and increases your chances of those spectacular night blooms. In lower light, the plant will grow more slowly but will still thrive. Just avoid harsh midday or afternoon direct sun, which can scorch those beautiful curling stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Your Curly Sue\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being a cactus, Curly Sue hails from humid rainforests rather than dry deserts, so it appreciates a bit more moisture than you might expect. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry, allowing water to drain completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's important to only water when it suits the environment your plant is living in, as everyone's home is different!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the growing season (spring and summer), you may find yourself watering roughly once a week to ten days. In winter, reduce watering as growth slows. The key is letting the soil dry slightly between waterings while never leaving it parched for extended periods. As an epiphyte, Curly Sue doesn't like to sit in soggy soil, so good drainage is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Perfect Potting Mix\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurly Sue thrives in a light, well-draining mix that mimics its natural epiphytic growing conditions. An orchid mix or cactus mix with added perlite, orchid bark, or coco chips works wonderfully. The goal is a mix that holds some moisture but allows excellent airflow around the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pot with good drainage holes is essential. Curly Sue actually enjoys being slightly pot-bound, which can encourage flowering, so don't rush to repot unless necessary. When you do repot, spring is the best time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHumidity and Temperature\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing from rainforest origins, Curly Sue appreciates moderate to high humidity but adapts well to average household conditions. Grouping it with other plants or placing it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen with good light will keep it happy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain temperatures between 18-24°C for optimal growth. Curly Sue can handle cooler temperatures down to 10°C in winter but isn't frost hardy, so keep it protected from cold drafts and never expose it to freezing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Your Curly Sue\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the growing season (September through March), feed your Curly Sue with \u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Technology Foliage Focus\u003c\/strong\u003e at a diluted rate of 2-3ml per litre of water every 2-4 weeks. Add \u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Technology Rootzone\u003c\/strong\u003e at 0.5ml per litre occasionally to support healthy root development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo encourage flowering, you can switch to a bloom-promoting fertiliser with higher phosphorus in late winter\/early spring. Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEncouraging Blooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose spectacular night-blooming flowers are one of Curly Sue's most exciting features! To encourage flowering, provide bright indirect light, allow the plant to become slightly pot-bound, and give it a cooler rest period during winter with reduced watering. Mature plants are more likely to bloom, so patience is rewarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen flowers appear, they open at dusk and release a sweet fragrance into the night air. By morning, they'll have faded, but if pollinated, you may be rewarded with those delicious mini dragon fruits!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurly Sue is wonderfully easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem section, allow the cut end to callous over for a few days in a dry spot, then plant into a well-draining mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright indirect light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing \u003cstrong\u003eClonex Clone Solution\u003c\/strong\u003e at 5ml per litre can help encourage root development. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, and before long you'll have new plants to share with friends!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Tips for Success\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvide bright indirect light\u003c\/strong\u003e with some morning sun for best growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater when the top soil dries\u003c\/strong\u003e but don't let it stay dry for too long.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse a well-draining epiphytic mix\u003c\/strong\u003e to keep roots healthy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHang it up!\u003c\/strong\u003e Those cascading stems look spectacular in a hanging basket.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep warm\u003c\/strong\u003e and protected from cold drafts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeed lightly\u003c\/strong\u003e during the growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBe patient for flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e as mature plants bloom more readily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are my stems turning reddish?\u003c\/strong\u003e This can indicate too much direct sun. Move to a spot with more filtered light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy isn't my plant flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers are more common on mature plants. Ensure good light, let it become pot-bound, and provide a cool rest period in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow it outdoors?\u003c\/strong\u003e In frost-free areas with dappled shade, Curly Sue makes an excellent outdoor plant. Just protect from direct afternoon sun and bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the fruit really edible?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes! The small red fruits that follow pollinated flowers taste like miniature dragon fruit and are perfectly safe to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat news for pet owners! Epiphyllum Curly Sue is non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans, making it a safe choice for households with curious furry friends or little ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHanging baskets where stems can cascade beautifully\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelves and plant stands where growth can trail over edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePet-friendly households seeking unique plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone who loves unusual, sculptural foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoor jungles and tropical-themed spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGardeners who enjoy night-blooming flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of unique cacti and succulents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlease Keep in Mind\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach plant is unique and may vary slightly from the images shown. The photos are representative examples of the quality and characteristics you can expect, but natural variations in stem shape, curl pattern and growth habit make every Epiphyllum Curly Sue one-of-a-kind. The delightful curling and twisting is what makes this plant so special! For information on how your plant will be shipped, please refer to our shipping and delivery section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service, make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Growing Grounds Australia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52872674017493,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0720\/5211\/3621\/files\/FullSizeRender_b2ddd262-7341-4c3c-9187-6cb6b1020694.jpg?v=1782444945","url":"https:\/\/growinggroundsaustralia.com\/products\/epiphyllum-curly-sue-curly-locks-orchid-cactus-trailing","provider":"Growing Grounds Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}