How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum
If you want to learn how to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum and detailed points on its maintenance, here are the specifics:
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is often used to describe the fleeting beauty of something, as it is said to bloom for a moment. Below, Lan Yao will introduce to you the cultivation methods and precautions for Epiphyllum oxypetalum.
Introduction to Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a succulent shrub of the Cactaceae family, which can grow to a height of 2-6 meters. It prefers a warm and humid environment with plenty of sunlight but does not tolerate strong sunlight exposure. Epiphyllum oxypetalum often blooms at night, with a very short blooming period, lasting only about 4 hours from opening to withering. Due to its extreme blooming period, the flowers are extremely beautiful and thus quite rare.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum care methods and precautions
Caring for Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not difficult, but if it is not managed properly, it may bloom very little. To make Epiphyllum oxypetalum bloom more, focus on the following five points during maintenance.
1. Suitable potting soil
Epiphyllum oxypetalum does not have high requirements for soil, with a preference for loose, well-draining slightly acidic soil. You can mix 2 parts garden soil, 2 parts decomposed leaf soil, and 1 part river sand, or use a general-purpose nutrient-rich soil. Loose and well-draining soil is beneficial for the growth of Epiphyllum oxypetalum's roots, making it grow more lush, produce more new buds, and bloom more.
2. Reasonable lighting
Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers an environment with plenty of sunlight but does not tolerate direct strong sunlight. It should maintain sufficient sunlight in spring, autumn, and winter, and be shaded or placed in a bright diffused light environment during summer. Too much sunlight can easily burn the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.
3. Appropriate fertilizer and water management
How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum
If you want Epiphyllum oxypetalum to bloom more, fertilizer and water management is very important. Watering should be done when the soil is completely dry to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. During the spring season when new buds are growing, it is recommended to maintain sufficient fertilizer and water, suggesting the application of slow-release fertilizer and growth water-soluble fertilizer every 15 days or so, either by watering the roots or spraying the leaves.
Adequate fertilizer will make Epiphyllum oxypetalum grow strong, producing more new side buds. When fertilizing, it is important to change the fertilizer with the seasons and not to use a single type of fertilizer for a long time, especially nitrogen fertilizer, as too much can easily cause excessive growth, leading to more leaves but no flowers.
After the beginning of summer, the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased, applying flower fertilizer No. 2 or potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 7 days or so, either by watering the roots or spraying the leaves. Adequate phosphorus and potassium fertilizer can help the leaves mature faster and produce flower buds. Many flower enthusiasts' Epiphyllum oxypetalum blooms little or not at all, largely due to insufficient fertilizer and water.
4. Overwintering management
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not cold-resistant, with a safe overwintering temperature of above 5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 5 degrees, it should be moved indoors to avoid frost damage.
5. Pruning and propagation of Epiphyllum oxypetalum