How to grow Epiphyllum

Many people have heard of the fleeting beauty of the Epiphyllum , which is also called the beauty under the moon. It is very beautiful when it blooms. To grow Epiphyllum, you can choose loose, fertile and well-drained soil. The correct cultivation method can make the Epiphyllum bloom more and more beautifully. Let’s take a look at the cultivation method of Epiphyllum below.

1. Pot soil selection

Epiphyllum prefers slightly acidic sandy soil that is rich in humus, well-drained, loose and fertile. The recommended soil ratio is leaf mold, garden soil and sandy soil in a ratio of 4:4:2. After the soil is mixed, it is best to expose it to sunlight to sterilize it. When planting, lay a layer of broken tiles or bricks at the bottom of the pot to help the plants breathe and drain.

2. Watering method

Epiphyllums are suited to dry rather than humid environments. In spring and autumn, keep the potting soil moderately moist, water every 2-3 days, and adjust according to the weather and soil humidity. In summer, water more frequently, about every 1-2 days, to avoid waterlogging that can cause root rot. During the dry season, spray the plants with clean water in the morning and evening to increase humidity.

3. Lighting management

Epiphyllum likes semi-shady environment. In spring and autumn, it should be placed in a semi-shaded place outdoors to avoid direct sunlight. In summer, it should be placed in a bright and ventilated place indoors, or in a north-facing balcony or under the shade of trees to avoid strong sunlight.

4. Temperature control

Epiphyllum grows best in a warm and humid environment. From March to September, the ideal temperature is 13-19℃; from September to December, it should be kept at 12-18℃; from December to March of the following year, the temperature should be controlled at 10-16℃. In the north, the plants should be moved indoors in winter and the room temperature should be kept at around 10℃.

5. Fertilization strategy

Epiphyllum has a large demand for fertilizer , mainly decomposed organic fertilizer , and bone meal or superphosphate can be added in appropriate amounts. During the growth period, apply thin cake fertilizer water once every half month. If a small amount of rice vinegar or ferrous sulfate is added, it can promote plant growth. The flowering period is relatively long, from June to October, and fertilizer should be applied every 10-15 days.

6. Repotting

Young Epiphyllum plants should be repotted once a year, and mature plants should be repotted every 2-3 years. Repotting should be done in spring when the temperature is above 12℃, or in September. Stop watering before repotting, wait until the soil is dry before removing the plant from the pot. Be careful to handle the plant with care to avoid damaging the plant. After removing the plant from the pot, remove the old soil, trim the dead roots, place it in a semi-shaded place after transplanting, and water it appropriately after 2 days.

7. Reproduction method

Epiphyllum is mostly propagated by cuttings, and full and strong stems and leaves are selected as cuttings. After cutting, keep the soil moist and control the temperature at 18-25℃, and move it into the pot after rooting.

8. Pruning tips

Proper pruning helps maintain the beauty of the epiphyllum. After flowering, remove old branches in time, thin out weak buds at the top, and retain strong buds in the middle and lower parts. Because the leaf-like stems are weak, supports should be set up to support the plant.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation methods and techniques of Epiphyllum. Epiphyllum is a very beautiful plant. If you want to maintain its beauty, it is important to master the above.