Abstract:
Epiphyllum is a relatively easy-to-grow ornamental plant. It not only has beautiful flower colors but also a long flowering period, making it highly ornamental. However, to make your Epiphyllum more beautiful, healthy, and spectacular, you need to master some techniques and methods. This article will introduce you to the repotting methods and other care techniques for Epiphyllum in detail.
I. What is Repotting
Repotting, as the name implies, is to move a plant that was originally growing in a small pot to a larger one. This method provides the plant with more growing space and more nutrients, thereby promoting its growth.
II. Why Repot
As a herbaceous plant, Epiphyllum needs to continuously absorb nutrients to maintain a healthy growth state. Small pot planting will restrict the root growth of Epiphyllum, limiting its ability to absorb nutrients and water, and can easily lead to tangled roots and reduced lushness. Repotting is to provide Epiphyllum with more growing space, allowing it to better absorb nutrients and water.
III. The Best Time for Repotting
Generally, spring and autumn are the best times for repotting Epiphyllum. Because the temperature is suitable in spring and autumn, and the plant's growth vitality is also relatively strong.
IV. How to Repot
1. Prepare a new pot: It is recommended to choose a pot with a diameter 2-3 cm larger than the original one, and select a pot with moderate depth and good breathability.
2. Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is of good quality and high in organic fertilizer content.
3. Take out the Epiphyllum: Gently loosen the soil and remove the plant.
4. Remove old soil: Remove the original soil and wash off the old roots.
5. Fill with new soil: Place a certain amount of new soil in the new pot and place the plant in the center of the new soil.
6. Fill with new soil: Fill the center of the pot with new soil, distributing it evenly around the plant.
7. Dilute fertilizer: Pour the diluted liquid fertilizer into the pot and water thoroughly.
8. Move back to the original place: Move the new pot back to its original location.
V. Precautions
1. It's best to water thoroughly before repotting to make it easier to remove the plant.
2. It's best to choose a sunny day with high air humidity for repotting to help the plant adapt.
3. Do not fertilize immediately after repotting; wait until the plant has adapted to the new environment.
4. During the repotting process, try to protect the plant's roots and do not damage them.
5. After repotting, control watering appropriately to avoid waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.
VI. Daily Care
1. Water management: Epiphyllum likes a humid environment, but do not let water sit in the bottom of the pot, as this can easily lead to root rot. Generally, water once or twice a week, depending on the dryness and moisture.
2. Fertilizer application: Apply liquid fertilizer once a month to enhance the plant's nutrient absorption.
3. Light management: Epiphyllum likes a well-lit environment, but it should not be directly exposed to the sun.
4. Temperature management: The suitable temperature range for Epiphyllum growth is 15°C-25°C. If the temperature is too low or too high, it will adversely affect the plant's growth.
5. Pest and disease control: Regularly inspect the plant. If pests or diseases are found, deal with them promptly. You can use pesticides or natural plant protectants for control.
VII. How to Propagate Epiphyllum
1. Leaf propagation: Cut off a leaf of Epiphyllum, soak it in water, and transplant it after new buds emerge.
2. Stem propagation: Select a new shoot on the stem of Epiphyllum and transplant it in the soil.
3. Division propagation: Divide Epiphyllum into several smaller plants and transplant them into new soil.
VIII. How to Prune Epiphyllum
1. Pruning during flowering: The flowering period of Epiphyllum is generally long, but if the flowers gradually wither, you can remove them to allow the plant to better consume nutrients.
2. Root pruning: If the roots of Epiphyllum are too lush, you can prune them appropriately to allow the plant to better absorb nutrients.
3. Leaf pruning: If the leaves of Epiphyllum are too lush, you can appropriately prune some old leaves to allow the plant to better consume nutrients.
IX. How to Deal with Common Problems
1. Leaf yellowing: This is usually caused by excessive water or improper fertilizer. You can reduce watering or replace it with suitable fertilizer.
2. Slow leaf growth: This may be due to poor soil aeration or insufficient nutrients. You can change the soil or apply fertilizer appropriately.
3. Pests and diseases: If you find powdery mildew or yellow leaf spots on the leaves of Epiphyllum, you can use pesticides for control in a timely manner.
X. How to Beautify Epiphyllum
1. Pot matching: You can use various pots to match and increase the visual effect.
2. Creating an environment: You can place Epiphyllum in a well-lit, temperature-appropriate, and humid environment to allow it to grow better.
3. Flower matching: You can match it with other flowers to enrich the landscape effect.
XI. How to Make Epiphyllum More Beautiful
1. Scientific fertilization: Apply fertilizer reasonably to ensure Epiphyllum gets sufficient nutrients.
2. Proper pruning: Regularly prune leaves and roots to keep the plant healthy.
3. Suitable environment: Provide a suitable environment for Epiphyllum, including control of temperature, humidity, and light.
XII. How to Select and Buy Epiphyllum
1. Plant condition: When selecting, check if the plant is healthy and free from pests and diseases.
2. Lushness: Lushness does not necessarily mean good or bad quality, but if it is too lush, pay attention to whether the roots are tangled.
3. Leaf color: When selecting, you can choose leaves of different colors according to your preference.
XIII. Common Care Mistakes for Epiphyllum
1. Overwatering: Epiphyllum is not drought-tolerant, but overwatering will lead to water accumulation and root rot.
2. Long-term direct sunlight: Long-term exposure to the sun can easily scorch the leaves of Epiphyllum.
3. Excessive fertilizer: Excessive fertilizer will burn the plant's roots and lead to the death of the plant.
XIV. Medicinal Value of Epiphyllum
1. Expectorant and cough relief: Epiphyllum contains a certain amount of mucilage and starch, which can be used for expectorant and cough relief.
2. Beauty and skin care: Epiphyllum has certain beauty and skin care effects and can be used for facial masks and acne treatment.
3. Treatment of common diseases: Epiphyllum can also be used to treat some common diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes.
XV.
Epiphyllum is a very suitable plant to keep at home. As long as you master some care techniques, you can make it grow healthier, more beautiful, and more spectacular. This article has introduced the repotting method and other care techniques for Epiphyllum, and I hope it will be helpful to everyone.