Epiphyllum Help Please!!!

[Witchypoo]

Last year I was given a piece of a red epi. Not knowing a thing about it, not even knowing what it was called as I was told it was a zygocactus but it was obvious it wasn't. My fiend has lost hers, she knew as much as I did. Something chewed a piece off it, it looked like it was doing nothing but looked the same as it was when I got it, so I pulled it out, yes it had grown roots so I put it into orchid medium. It has never grown a new leaf, now it is having babies I think, lol.
[1] Are these things leaves or flowers, or do they become flowers and then leaves come from there?
[2] What is the culture for growing these?
I am in Australia so our seasons are different to the Northern Hemisphere.
Hoping someone can help.
The plant is hanging on the outside of the shade house
WP

[solay]

I just started growing these last year. I know they don't like full sun and likes to be almost dry before next watering. Also I potted mine in a mix of potting soil and sand. I live in the US so maybe someone from your area can give you better advice. Looks like your Epiphyllum is rooted and growing.

[Witchypoo]

Yes Solay, it has nice roots, I checked when I thought it was doing nothing. It is growing in Orchid mix - do you fertilize yours? I used weak fert when I was doing my 'chids
WP

[tansyflower]

I just bought a couple of these, so I'm pretty clueless as well, but if I had to guess, I would say they are new segments (which is a good thing).

I reckon ours should flower near Christmas. Cactus flowers are usually recognisable as flower buds, so I'm assuming these are the same?

[fred]

hmm interesting
I have mine in the cym house under 75% shade cloth
planted in normal garden potting mix
I water mine when I think of it in winter about twice a week in summer
that looks like all new growth to me as the flower buds are round
I have given mine a little Dynamic Lifter sprinkled on top of the potting mix

they don't need to be very big to flower

[Witchypoo]

Fred, thanks for that. It hung under the bottlebrush tree in summer and on the outside of the shadehouse in winter to get the morning sun. If our nights get any colder I might move him, but at present, although I think I am freezing I haven't had a frost yet.

Tansy, Fred's reply should help us both. I might see you at the Caboolture OS on Friday.

WP