How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum
The editor answers for everyone how to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum and provides an explanation of the management and cultivation methods of green plants and flowers. Next, the site editor will introduce to the netizens.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum blooms briefly, a phrase that everyone should have heard of, indicating that the blooming time of Epiphyllum oxypetalum is short and it flowers at night, making it rare to see. However, with the progress of science and the development of society, it is possible to grow a potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum, allowing one to admire its beauty! The flowering period of Epiphyllum oxypetalum is from June to October, with flowers usually opening from 9 am to 4 am, lasting about 4 hours. Epiphyllum oxypetalum requires high humidity and lower temperatures to bloom. The humidity is higher and the temperature is lower at night, as Epiphyllum oxypetalum flowers at night, it is also known as "the beauty under the moonlight"!
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not only ornamental but can also be used in soups and is a nutritious ingredient.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is so rare, is it easy to cultivate?
In fact, Epiphyllum oxypetalum is one of the easiest plants to grow. Native to South Africa and Mexico, Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical plant that does not tolerate frost. Therefore, it is rare in the north because overwintering is an issue. With the development of air conditioning, those with conditions can grow one pot, and northern flower enthusiasts need to maintain temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius for overwintering.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum belongs to the Cactaceae family and the Epiphyllum genus. While most cacti can tolerate direct sunlight, Epiphyllum oxypetalum cannot. It is a semi-shady and semi-sun-loving succulent plant with some succulent characteristics.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers moist soil, so during cultivation, except for the winter dormancy period, it is necessary to keep the soil fertile and moist for the plant to grow well.
How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers slightly acidic soil, so when preparing the soil, it needs to be acidified. You can use forest soil or peat soil, or purchase nutrient-rich soil, which is loose and well-aerated. When preparing the soil yourself, you need to add foam granules.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum thrives in a humid environment, so in addition to winter, it is necessary to spray water on the leaves twice a day, morning and evening (you can also place a small humidifier). Epiphyllum oxypetalum is afraid of waterlogging, so when watering, pay attention to slightly dry conditions before watering. When watering Epiphyllum oxypetalum, use water that has been exposed to sunlight. Directly tap water is not suitable. When watering, you can combine fertilization by adding a few drops of vinegar to the water to acidify it, which can slow down soil alkalization. The soil should be changed every 1-2 years, as it tends to become alkaline and compacted after about 2 years in the pot.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum can bloom from early summer to late autumn. Therefore, cultivating Epiphyllum oxypetalum requires a lot of fertilizer because it continuously flowers, consuming many nutrients. Therefore, except for winter, it is necessary to fertilize every 10 days or so to prevent flowers from falling due to a lack of nutrients and unable to bloom again.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum can continuously bloom, which is somewhat related to lighting. If the plant does not receive enough light, it can lead to discontinuous flowering. It is best to let the Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant receive scattered light. Therefore, as long as the temperature does not exceed 35 degrees Celsius, there is no need for shade, but during the midday period in summer (approximately 10:30-15:30), it should be shaded and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Actually, when it comes to fertilizing and watering, the editor of Green Enthusiast Network, Li, prefers to use diluted milk or cooked beans (just pick out a few beans from the porridge) and can also dilute a little sugar. Anything that humans can eat can be used as fertilizer, just not in excess.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a shallow-rooted plant, so it does not tolerate drought. It is important to water promptly during dry periods. During the winter dormancy period, the root absorption is weak, so it is best to stop watering and fertilizing, only watering when necessary.
The above introduction (Green Enthusiast Network) on how to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum and the management and cultivation methods of Epiphyllum oxypetalum are hoping to be of help to you. Don't forget to visit the Green Enthusiast Network more often for more gardening experience and knowledge!