How to grow and prune Epiphyllum

Epiphyllum is a plant belonging to the cactus family. Its flowers are very beautiful, but they bloom in the middle of the night and can only bloom for a few hours. This is what we call a flash in the pan. Its main way of reproduction is by cuttings, which is relatively easy. Let's talk about the cultivation and pruning methods of Epiphyllum.

1. Soil

Epiphyllum belongs to the cactus family, but it is an epiphytic cactus and requires a slightly moist environment. Therefore, it is necessary to choose slightly acidic sandy soil with good drainage, rich in humus, loose and fertile for planting. While avoiding waterlogging, the soil can be kept in a slightly moist state. It can be made by mixing leaf mold and fine sand.

2. Moisture

Because Epiphyllum is an epiphytic cactus, it prefers a slightly moist environment, but it cannot be exposed to excessive water or stagnant water, which will cause root rot. You can spray water 1-2 times in the morning and evening to increase the air humidity. Keep the potting soil from being too dry in spring and autumn, and control the moisture in winter.

3. Lighting

Epiphyllum likes light but avoids exposure to the sun. It can be placed in scattered light or semi-shade at ordinary times. In summer, it should be moved to a place where direct sunlight cannot reach it for shade. It can accept direct sunlight in winter (the sunlight is not very strong in winter), but requires sufficient light.

4. Temperature

Epiphyllum likes a warm environment, but avoids high temperature and cold. Its suitable growth temperature is 16-25℃, not higher than 30℃, and not lower than 5℃ in winter. Cold areas need to take anti-cold measures.

5. Fertilizer

During the growing season, apply decomposed cake fertilizer water once every half month, and nitrogen fertilizer once a month in spring and autumn, and apply thin fertilizer frequently. Stop fertilizing in winter. During the flowering period, bone meal or superphosphate can be applied once to Epiphyllum.

6. Pruning

After the Epiphyllum blooms, the withered flowers and dead leaves should be cut off in time to promote the growth of new branches and leaves. Every spring, the overly long branches can be properly pruned to form a compact tree shape.

7. Control pests and diseases

Check your Epiphyllum plants regularly to detect and deal with pest and disease problems promptly. Common pests include aphids, scale insects, etc., which can be controlled using targeted pesticides .

8. Keep warm

In cold seasons, Epiphyllum is easily frozen, so keeping warm is very important. It can be covered with a layer of protective material or moved indoors for protection during cold seasons.

That’s it