Why don't epiphyllums bloom?
Here are some experiences on the green plant care aspect of why epiphyllums don't bloom, detailed as follows:
We often use the phrase "epiphyllum moment" to describe the fleeting beauty of wonderful things. Although the beauty of epiphyllums is fleeting, it doesn't prevent us from being fixated on them because they are truly beautiful when in bloom. The natural flowering period of epiphyllums is from June to October, but many flower enthusiasts say that by August, their epiphyllums still have no flower buds.
Reasons why epiphyllums don't bloom
Epiphyllums are cacti that are easy to cultivate. They prefer a warm, humid semi-shaded environment and are not tolerant of frost or intense sunlight. They grow vigorously but may not bloom for various reasons, summarized as follows:
1. Planting time is too short
Epiphyllums are commonly propagated by cutting. If the main stem is used for cutting, it can bloom in the same year. However, if the side stem is used, it often takes 2-3 years to bloom.
If your epiphyllum is a new seedling or you've been cultivating it for less than 3 years, the most likely reason for not blooming is that the branches have not yet reached the maturity required for flowering.
2. Insufficient lighting
Other than the influence of the plant's size, if the epiphyllum has been cultivated for more than 2 years with new growth but still doesn't bloom, you need to check the cause of your cultivation, such as whether there is enough light.
Epiphyllums prefer a semi-shaded environment but should not be too dark. In winter and early spring, they should still receive sufficient light. If they are always kept indoors, they might not bloom due to insufficient lighting.
3. Excessive nitrogenous fertilizer causing excessive growth
Why don't epiphyllums bloom?
Sometimes, we may find that epiphyllums have many new leaves and grow rapidly but do not develop flower buds. This is usually caused by excessive fertilization and water, leading to excessive growth.
Because the leaves grow too fast, they consume most of the nutrients, preventing the plant from forming flower buds.
How to make epiphyllums bloom faster?
If the epiphyllum plant has reached the maturity required for blooming but has not yet developed flower buds due to care issues, we can take some rescue measures to encourage the plant to produce flower buds.
1. Maintain relatively sufficient lighting
If the epiphyllum is placed in a dark location, it should be moved to a position with stronger scattered light but not direct sunlight, especially in summer, as it can easily burn the leaves. It can be placed near the inside of a south-facing balcony to receive strong scattered light without direct exposure.
2. Appropriate water control