How to grow Epiphyllum

1. Breeding environment

1. Soil: Epiphyllum needs loose, well-drained soil, which can be mixed with peat soil, coarse sand and slag.

2. Watering: In summer, the amount of watering should be increased appropriately, but there should be no accumulation of water, otherwise the roots will easily rot; in winter, the amount of watering should be controlled and the soil in the pot should be kept as dry as possible; if it is rainy season, the water in the soil in the pot should be disposed of in time. When the weather is hot, you can spray water around to increase the air humidity, which can help it grow.

3. Light: In spring and autumn, it is best to place it in a semi-shaded place to avoid sunlight. In summer, place it in a bright and well-ventilated place indoors. It must not be exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise it will easily cause the stems to turn yellow.

4. Fertilization: It likes fertilizer, and generally decomposed organic fertilizer is best. Apply thin cake fertilizer water once half a month during the growth period, and apply liquid fertilizer again after the flowers fade, which is conducive to flowering in the second year.

2. Breeding Methods

1. Propagation by cuttings: Choose healthy, thick leaf-like stems as cuttings, cut them into 20-30 cm long sections at 2-3 nodes, flatten the base, and insert them into the sand bed after the cut ends are dry. They will take root in about 3 weeks.

2. Seed propagation: It usually takes 4-5 years from sowing to flowering, and is generally used for hybrid breeding.

3. Common pests and diseases

1. Root rot: The roots will rot and the leaves will wrinkle. Control the amount of watering to avoid water accumulation in the potting soil. You can remove the rotten roots and re-transplant.

2. Red spider mites: When you find red spider mites, you should use pesticides to kill them in time. You can also use pepper water and other methods to repel insects.