Why Don't Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Bloom?
Main Content Introduction: This article discusses the reasons why Epiphyllum Oxypetalum doesn't bloom and the three factors that affect its blooming, along with related experience in planting flowers. Let's delve into this together.
Many people cultivate Epiphyllum Oxypetalum because it emits a pleasant fragrance when blooming, especially at night. There is a saying, "Epiphyllum Oxypetalum appears for a moment," which makes many people curious to grow one to witness its blooming. However, why doesn't the Epiphyllum Oxypetalum you're growing produce any flower buds, even though others' plants have already bloomed beautifully in summer?
In fact, there are skills to caring for Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. When growing it, we shouldn't pamper it too much. If you're always cautious with water and fertilizer and don't expose it to sunlight, it will be difficult to grow well. If you want it to bloom, remember to follow four "steps," and its leaves will be full of flower buds. Let's discuss this in detail today.
1. Sunbathing
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum belongs to the cactus family, and for any cactus plant to bloom, it needs adequate sunlight. The sunlight in summer is very strong, and many people are afraid of exposing their Epiphyllum Oxypetalum to direct sunlight, thinking it will get sunburned or die. However, this is a misconception. Now, we should give it as much sunlight as possible. If it doesn't get sunlight, it will only grow leaves, and these leaves will be small, and it won't form flower buds.
So, starting now, put it in the sun and let it get more sunlight. Remember not to expose it to direct sunlight all at once. If it was previously grown in a shaded environment, sudden exposure to strong sunlight can burn the leaves. Gradually increase the exposure to help it adapt to full sun, and only with sufficient sunlight will the flower buds form quickly.
2. Pinching Small Leaves
Since new leaves continuously grow during the cultivation process, and new leaves won't form flower buds until they age, you should observe your Epiphyllum Oxypetalum plant. Keep all the old leaves and remove the small leaves that have grown on them, as these small leaves are too young to form flower buds.
The purpose of doing this is to leave all the old leaves so that when it's time to induce blooming, the flower buds can grow from them. If the small leaves are left, they will continue to consume nutrients, preventing the old leaves from growing flower buds because the nutrients will be absorbed by the small leaves. Therefore, by removing the small leaves, you can help the plant quickly form flower buds.
3. Using Phosphorus Fertilizer
For any plant to bloom, fertilizer is essential, but phosphorus fertilizer must be used. Since the plant has been growing leaves in the early stages without blooming, and since Epiphyllum Oxypetalum blooms in summer, to speed up the formation of flower buds, use monopotassium phosphate directly. What you need to do is apply the fertilizer once every two weeks, dilute monopotassium phosphate with water at a ratio of 1:1000, and then spray it on the leaves with a spray bottle. Set the spray bottle to mist mode and spray from a distance, so the leaves are covered with fine mist. Then, pour the rest into the soil. Every time you fertilize, do this operation, and eventually, the plant will stop growing new leaves and quickly produce flower buds on the old leaves.
4. Don't Let It Lack Water
If Epiphyllum Oxypetalum lacks water during the cultivation process, it won't be apparent, and its leaves won't show signs of weakness or wilt unless the water deficiency is severe, such as after several months without water. The leaves will then become wrinkled, and it will be difficult to recover even if you water it. Therefore, if you want your Epiphyllum Oxypetalum to bloom, make sure to keep it well-watered.