How to care for epiphyllum cacti in summer
The editor answers how to care for epiphyllum cacti in summer and describes the plant cultivation experience of epiphyllum potting methods, with detailed introduction as follows
In summer, caring for epiphyllum cacti, remember 4 "skills" to make the leaves thick and upright, no longer soft and droopy
Although epiphyllum cacti are cacti, they are not heat-tolerant. In summer, they are prone to problems, such as soft leaves and some rotting roots and withering. Recently, many flower enthusiasts have encountered these issues with their epiphyllum cacti. This is because epiphyllum cacti have a dormant habit in summer, and improper care during this period can easily lead to these problems. In fact, just by remembering 4 care "skills," you can make its leaves thick and upright and safely survive the summer.
First, do not place it in direct sunlight
Epiphyllum cacti are known to be sun-loving plants, but they are also afraid of direct sunlight. They belong to short-day flowering plants. In winter, spring, and autumn, they can be exposed to more sunlight, especially in winter and spring when the plants are in the flowering stage. Sufficient sunlight can help them grow better flower buds.
However, in summer, the plants have finished flowering, and with the rising temperature, they have entered a dormant state and no longer grow. At this time, they fear direct sunlight the most. If they are still placed outside in the hot sun, they can easily sunburn the stems and leaves, causing the leaves to turn red and become soft, all the stems and leaves drooping in the pot, in very poor condition.
In summer, when the light intensity increases, immediate shading measures should be taken or move it to a cool and well-ventilated area. Without direct sunlight, the plant will continue to grow when the ambient temperature is below 30 degrees, avoiding dormancy.
Second, do not water frequently
Epiphyllum cacti are naturally drought-tolerant plants, and after entering the dormant mode, it is important to strictly control watering because many epiphyllum cacti that rot in summer are caused by the soil being too moist for a long time.
When the ambient temperature reaches 32℃ or higher, the plant basically stops growing and requires less water. If the soil is moist and not dry, it can easily cause root rot.
So, in summer, you must strictly control watering. Only water when the soil is not very dry, and water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, achieving a wet-dry cycle to keep the plant safe in summer.
Third, stop fertilizing during the dormant period
Improper fertilizing in summer can also harm epiphyllum cacti. Many flower enthusiasts' epiphyllum cacti were growing vigorously, but after fertilizing, the stems and leaves became wilted. It is a shallow-rooted plant with underdeveloped roots, and fertilizing too heavily or during high temperatures can easily cause fertilizer damage.
When caring for other flowers at home, not just epiphyllum cacti, fertilizing should also be cautious in summer. When the ambient temperature reaches 30℃ or higher, it is best not to fertilize, especially for plants like epiphyllum cacti that are dormant. Fertilizing can easily burn their roots and cause stem and leaf withering. Fertilizing should wait until the weather cools down in autumn when the plant wakes up from dormancy and resumes normal growth, then apply some dilute fertilizer.
Fourth, do not repot in summer
After epiphyllum cacti enter dormancy in summer, their condition is very poor, and the plant is in a weak state, only suitable for quiet care. During this period, do not repot it because even if you repot it, the plant will not adapt to the new pot in a short time, and if the roots are damaged during the repotting process, it can cause root rot and withering.
If you plan to repot epiphyllum cacti, you can wait until October when the weather is cooler in the morning and evening, and the plant has resumed normal growth. Repotting at this time will help it adapt quickly without affecting the flowering and bud formation for the year.
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