How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum to make it more vigorous
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People often use the phrase "Epiphyllum oxypetalum's momentary beauty" to describe the brief beauty of something, and now Blue Devil will introduce to you the cultivation methods and precautions for Epiphyllum oxypetalum.
Introduction to Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a species of the Cactaceae family, an epiphytic succulent shrub that can grow to a height of 2-6 meters. It prefers a warm and humid environment, loves plenty of sunlight but does not tolerate strong sunlight exposure. Epiphyllum oxypetalum often blooms at night, with a very short blooming period of about 4 hours from opening to withering. Because of its extreme blooming period, the flowers are extremely beautiful and rare.
Epiphyllum oxypetalum care methods and precautions
Caring for Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not difficult, but if proper management is not achieved, the plant may bloom very few flowers. 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. A slightly acidic, loose, and breathable soil is best. 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 breathable soil is conducive to the growth of Epiphyllum oxypetalum's roots, which will make the plant grow more vigorously, produce more new buds, and bloom more flowers.
2. Reasonable lighting
Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers an environment with plenty of sunlight but does not tolerate direct strong sunlight. In spring, autumn, and winter, it should be kept in a well-lit environment. In summer, it should be shaded or placed in a bright environment with scattered light. Too much sunlight can easily burn the leaves of Epiphyllum oxypetalum and cause the leaves to turn yellow.
3. Proper fertilization and watering management
How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum to make it more vigorous
If you want Epiphyllum oxypetalum to bloom more, fertilization and watering management is very important. Watering should be thorough when dry, avoiding excessive watering that can cause root rot. During the spring season when new buds are growing, it is necessary to keep the soil moist and apply slow-release fertilizer, and it is recommended to apply a growth water-soluble fertilizer every 15 days, either by watering the roots or spraying the leaves.
Adequate fertilizer will make Epiphyllum oxypetalum grow stronger, producing more new side buds. When fertilizing, it is necessary to change the fertilizer with the seasons and not to use a single fertilizer for a long time, especially not to use too much nitrogen fertilizer, as this can easily cause excessive growth, resulting in too much leaf growth without flowering.
After the beginning of summer, the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased, applying once every 7 days with "Flower More No. 2" or potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer either by watering the roots or spraying the leaves. Sufficient phosphorus and potassium fertilizer will help the leaves of Epiphyllum oxypetalum mature quickly and produce flower buds. Many flower friends' Epiphyllum oxypetalum bloom few or no flowers because of insufficient fertilization and watering.
4. Overwintering management
Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not cold-resistant, and the safe overwintering temperature is above 5 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 5 degrees, it should be moved indoors to overwinter, otherwise, it is prone to frostbite.
5. Pruning and propagation of Epiphyllum oxypetalum