Caring for Epiphyllum Oxypetalum in Pots
For many girls, knowledge of caring for Epiphyllum Oxypetalum at home is important. The following article introduces the cultivation methods of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum.
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, also known as the "Beauty Under the Moon," is a perennial evergreen succulent plant belonging to the Cactaceae family and the Epiphyllum genus. It is native to the tropical forests of Mexico and Central and South America. The old branches are flat, the young branches are triangular and club-shaped, and the flowering period is from June to October. The flowers are white, large and long, and exude a fragrant aroma. Most flowers bloom at night and wither after a few hours, hence the saying "Epiphyllum Oxypetalum appears in an instant." It is commonly cultivated in households in both the north and south of China.
【Key Points for Cultivating Epiphyllum Oxypetalum in Pots】
One, Potting Soil
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum prefers rich humus, well-draining, loose, and fertile slightly acidic sandy soil. The general ratio for potting soil is: decayed leaf soil : garden soil : sandy soil = 4:4:2. After preparing the soil, it is best to expose it to the sun to sterilize. When planting, place a layer of broken tiles or bricks at the bottom of the pot to increase ventilation and drainage.
Two, Watering
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum enjoys moist soil and higher humidity in the air but is afraid of waterlogging. In the late autumn, winter, and early spring when the temperature is low, Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is in a semi-dormant state, and watering should be strictly controlled to keep the potting soil slightly dry, watering only when it is completely dry. In the spring when the temperature rises, Epiphyllum Oxypetalum begins to recover and grow, and the watering amount can be gradually increased to keep the soil moist. When the plant is growing vigorously, in addition to watering, water should also be sprinkled around the plant to increase humidity and enhance ventilation.
Three, Fertilizing
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum likes fertilizer and requires more of it. Decomposed organic fertilizer is preferred, supplemented with a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate. This is added to the soil when preparing it and mixed evenly with the potting soil, with an application rate of 1/20 to 1/30 of the potting soil. After new stems appear in the spring, top-dressing begins. If the leaves turn yellow during the growing period, a solution of ferrous sulfate 500 times should be applied once, and after the flower buds appear, a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate 1000 times should be applied once. After the flowers wither, a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be applied every 20 days or so, and fertilizing should stop in the late autumn.
Four, Propagation
Propagation is done using flat branches. It can be done all year round in a greenhouse, but the best time is from April to May. Choose one-year-old slightly older and robust flat branches (too young tend to rot), cut into 10 to 15 cm segments, and let them dry for 2 to 3 days before inserting them into the growing medium or sand. The depth of insertion should be about 1/3 of the cutting (not too deep). If the soil is moist, do not water temporarily, and then control the soil to be slightly moist and dry. Roots will start to grow in about 20 days, and when the roots are 4 to 5 cm long, they can be transplanted into pots. With proper management, 2-year-old seedlings can also bloom.
Five, Repotting
Young Epiphyllum Oxypetalum plants should be repotted every year, while mature plants should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Repotting should be done when the temperature is above 12°C in the spring or in September. Before repotting, stop watering to let the potting soil dry, then gently remove the plant from the pot, taking care not to touch the plant. After removing the pot, remove the old soil from the roots, trim dead and broken roots, and then place the plant in a semi-shaded area. Do not water initially, and after 2 days, water slightly to keep the potting soil slightly dry.
Six, Others
1. Plants older than three years should be tied and fixed, otherwise, they are prone to fall over.
2. During the flowering period, ensure sufficient sunlight.
3. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is not cold-resistant. In winter, it should be moved indoors, with the temperature preferably kept above 5°C to prevent frostbite.
【Key Points to Make Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Bloom】
If well cared for, Epiphyllum Oxypetalum can bloom continuously 4 to 5 times during the rainy season in summer and autumn, but attention should be paid to the following four issues.
1. When moving the plant from indoors to outdoors in the spring, repotting and changing the soil can be done. The pot should be slightly larger, about 1 to 2 cm. If the roots are damaged, they should be cut off, and the wound can be coated with charcoal powder or sulfur powder, then left to dry before planting. After repotting, it should be placed in a sunny location, and a nitrogen and phosphorus combined organic fertilizer should be applied once every half month to promote new branches and leaves.
2. July, August, and September are the key months for observing flowers in a year. Special attention should be paid to maintenance and strengthening of fertilizer and water management. After the first flower in June, apply a nitrogen and phosphorus combined fertilizer once every half month, allowing for monthly blooming in the following three months. During this period, the potting soil should generally be slightly drier, and accumulated water should be drained immediately after rain. The fertilizer should be fully fermented and decomposed organic fertilizer.
3. During the midday heat of summer, prevent direct exposure to the scorching sun, otherwise, the leaves will turn yellow, affecting growth and flowering.
4. After the first frost, move the plant indoors and place it near a sunny window. Prevent freezing and keep warm, and stop fertilizing. The potting soil should be dry, as excessive moisture can cause the leaves to wilt and the roots to rot, while drier conditions can help the plant tolerate cold better.
【False Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is Not Epiphyllum Oxypetalum】
False Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is not an imposter sold by unscrupulous merchants as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (C-S). Its name is "False Epiphyllum Oxypetalum," commonly known as "Crab Claw Lily."
False Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, scientific name Rhipsalidopsis gaertner, also known as "Leaf Joint Cactus" or "Hairy Claw," is a perennial succulent plant of the Cactaceae family and the Rhipsalidopsis genus, native to Brazil. It grows 15 to 20 cm tall, with many branches, leaves that have degenerated, and stem nodes that are pendant. The stems are elliptical, flat, nodular, and green, with rounded waves or notches on the sides, short hair or a little yellow bristles in the axils of the rounded teeth, similar in appearance to the Schlumbergera, hence the name "Crab Flower."
The flower tube is short, the flower diameter is 6 to 8 cm; the petals are widely spread, a standard radial flower, with bright orange-red color, usually blooming from March to April, coinciding with the Easter holiday in Western countries, hence also known as "Easter Cactus." The fruit has 5 ridges, about 1.5 cm long. Its optimal growth temperature is 20°C to 30°C, not tolerate low temperatures below 5°C; commonly propagated by cutting, and grafting with Hylocereus undatus as the rootstock can enhance the ornamental effect.
The above content introduces the specific methods of caring for Epiphyllum Oxypetalum in pots. If it can help you, remember to visit the website often!