Looking at their costs, we can agree with many that there is more than one benefit a flowering plant can offer.
Growing a flowering plant like epiphyllum create a colorful house with a pleasant aroma. great yes? As popular as epiphyllum is, it’s not uncommon for many to still struggle with healthy cultivation of this rewarding plant. Discover useful information about growing epiphyllum might be for you, we’ve provided a guide to everything you need to develop one.
And be careful because we have made several indoor plants such as Philodendron, Triostar stromanthe, Peperomia, Pothos and many more.
Read it: Phalaenopsis Orchid: The Complete Guide to Culture and Care
Contents
epiphyllum plant background
common name | orchid cactus. |
botanical name | epiphyllum |
light | Partial shade, indirect light. |
Below | well drained |
Water | Moderately watered. |
Temperature | 40 to 60 degrees F. |
Original | tropical atmosphere. |
Toxicity | Nontoxic. |
Epiphyllum cacti, also known as leaf cacti, orchid cacti, and climbing cacti, can be called an epiphyllum hybrid or a genus. They are native to the tropical environment and are epiphytic as they are known to take root and grow in tree humus sacks, however, not parasitically but as a host.
The name ‘epiphyllum’ means ‘on the leaf’ and this is due to the nature of the plant’s flowers emerging from the strap-like branches. Due to its flowers, it is also called orchid cactus. The epiphyllum plant has no leaves but a stem. The plant has about 19 plants in its genus and is known to produce large white flowers that open mostly at night.
Small-flowered varieties of this plant tend to produce a large number of flowers that can last a week or more, but large-flowered varieties have few flowers that often last one to three days. The stems of the cactus are flat, 1-5 cm wide and 3-5 cm thick.
Epiphyllum plants are grown around the world for their flowers, those that have succeeded in cultivation of the epiphyllum plant I can confirm that this cactus is an easy plant to grow. However, due to how different varieties of these plants originate, there may be minor changes in the basic requirements of each plant.
Although easy to grow, the plant may not be suitable for novice gardeners as it requires attention. A hanging basket is a recommended place to grow them; this will accommodate the long stem of the plant in the form of a leaf. We have created a model of the plant’s natural habitat that can help you successfully grow an epiphyllum plant.
Epiphyllum Cactus Plant Requirements
The best condition for an epiphyllum plant is one that resembles its natural habitat. In addition, it is necessary to constantly observe the plant to find out how it is doing. Think of it as giving the plant the attention it needs and being there to observe all of its beautiful blooms.
a. light
Epiphyllum plants do not grow in full sun, in its natural home the plant is often seen in the shade of treetops. The plant likes indirect light or partial shade. For best results, they can be exposed to the morning sun; however, they should be kept out of afternoon light. Exposure to direct light can damage the plant and stunt its growth.
of them. Water
Watering an epiphyllum plant requires caution. The plant likes to be watered so as not to dry out, but it hates too much water. Seek balance. We recommend using manual watering; this allows you to monitor it. The plant wants the topsoil to be moderately moist, for this you can mist the plant regularly and avoid heavy watering. In winter, you also need to water less.
3. Temperature
Epiphyllum can adapt to a variety of weather conditions, but the plant grows best between 40 and 60 degrees F. Any temperature below 35 degrees F will kill the plant. It likes a cool environment and needs to be exposed to at least 50 degrees F in the winter to force flowering.
Four. Below
The epiphyllum plant takes soil activities seriously and you should too! We recommend using basic potting soil with a little perlite to aid drainage. You can also grow them in standard cactus soil with perlite or sand to aid drainage. The most important soil criterion for the epiphyllum plant is that it must be able to drain water.
5. fertilizer
You can choose to till the soil with a fertilizer that contains less nitrogen, or for best results we recommend using organic matter. Apply fertilizer once a month, during growing seasons, not in late fall or winter. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer before applying it to your plant. Excess nitrogen from the fertilizer can cause the plant’s stem to grow and reduce flowering.
6. Humidity
Epiphyllum plants grow in moderate to high humidity conditions. If you live in a dry area, you may want to create a humidity supplier for them, such as misting, popsicle trays, or at most buy a plant humidifier. They can also be placed in high humidity areas of your home, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Reproduction of Epiphyllum plants
Propagating epiphyllum plants is not a difficult task to accomplish; however, there are instructions you must follow to get it right or you could kill your plant before it grows. The plant can be propagated by cutting the leaves and seeds. The following steps have allowed you to propagate your epiphyllum plant yourself.
Propagation of the Epiphyllum cactus by leaf cutting
- Identify a healthy, mature plant and make your cuttings about 10 centimeters long. Keep in mind that your cacti are succulents, so help them develop calluses on the cut ends to prevent rotting.
- After taking the cuttings, place them in a cool, dry place for a week or two until calluses develop. The presence of calluses indicates that your cutting is ready for propagation.
- Prepare your soil by filling a pot with cactus soil, you can also add a little perlite to help drainage but it’s not very important.
- Dip the calluses on the cutting in rooting hormone, then place the cutting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) into the soil.
- Don’t water your plant right away or you’ll move your plant somewhere else. Water the plant thoroughly after a week or mist the soil with a spray bottle.
Epiphyllum Cactus Propagation by Seeds
- The best time to sow your seeds is summer or spring. Fill a container with the cactus mix and sprinkle the seed around.
- Spray the soil with a spray bottle and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and place the container somewhere near 70 degrees F.
- Remove the lid as soon as the seeds start to germinate.
- Separate the seedlings into individual pots. Grow the seed in regular epiphyllum care.
How to maintain your Epiphyllum plant?
It’s not uncommon for mistakes to be made even if your plant has the right conditions, but these mistakes can damage your plant. Below are the maintenance routines/tips you need for the health of your plant.
- Regular pruning of your plant is paramount. With sterilized blades, remove any dead or rotten growth or dead flowers, removing them so the plant can send out more force for new growth.
- The epiphyllum plant is not toxic to pets and humans, you can keep them, but they are not edible.
- The plant can be affected by various infections when it receives too much water. Other fungal infections can also cause leaves to turn yellow. Monitor your installation to identify the source of the problem and adjust accordingly.
- Get rid of dead or infected plant parts and spray fungicide on the affected area.
- You should not let the roots dry out. It must be kept moist.
- Most diseases are the result of excessive humidity. You have to be careful.
final thoughts
Epiphyllum is such a nice plant to own. Knowing how to grow and propagate the plant will help you keep it for longer. It is important to note that although she is easy to grow indoors, she does require some attention. The plant grows beautifully when all conditions are met.
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