Complete Collection of Epiphyllum Pictures and Detailed Care Guide

SummaryPotting soil: You can choose leaf mold, garden soil and sandy soil. Light and temperature: The suitable temperature for growth is around 15-25°C. In summer, it needs to be placed in a spot without direct sunlight for care, and in winter it needs to be moved indoors to overwinter. Watering: In late autumn, winter and early spring, watering needs to be strictly controlled; in summer, it can be watered more. Fertilizing: During the growing period, phosphate fertilizer and potassium fertilizer can be applied as top dressing.

1. Potting soil

Epiphyllum likes to grow in slightly acidic sandy soil that is rich in humus, well-drained, loose and fertile. The potting soil is leaf mold, garden soil and sandy soil, with a mixing ratio of 4:4:2. After the soil is mixed, it needs to be exposed to the sun for sterilization. When planting, place 1 layer of broken tiles or brick pieces at the bottom of the pot, which helps increase soil aeration and drainage.

2. Light and temperature

1. Epiphyllum likes semi-shaded and warm environments and has relatively high temperature requirements. It needs sunlight during its flowering period, and the suitable temperature for growth is around 15-25°C.

2. When the summer temperature is too high, Epiphyllum needs to be placed in a shaded spot without direct sunlight. In winter, when the temperature is low, Epiphyllum needs to be moved indoors to overwinter, then placed in a sunny spot indoors, requiring sufficient light. The overwintering temperature is around 10-12°C, and it can tolerate a low temperature of around 5°C.

3. Watering

1. Epiphyllum likes moist soil and relatively high air humidity, and is afraid of waterlogging. When the temperature is relatively low in late autumn, winter and early spring, Epiphyllum will be in a semi-dormant state, and watering needs to be strictly controlled so that the potting soil is on the dry side. After it dries out, just water a small amount.

2. After the spring temperature rises, Epiphyllum slowly resumes growth, and the amount of watering can be gradually increased while keeping the soil moist. In the vigorous growth season, in addition to watering, water also needs to be sprinkled around the plant, which helps increase air humidity, and ventilation should be strengthened.

3. In summer, Epiphyllum should be watered more, but there must be no standing water in the pot, and it must not be exposed to rain, otherwise it will cause root rot. Generally, water can be sprayed 1-2 times in the morning and evening, which helps increase air humidity.

4. Fertilizing

1. A small amount of fertilizer can be added when preparing the soil and mixed evenly with the potting soil, using an amount of 1/20-1/30 of the potting soil. Top dressing begins after new stems grow in spring. During the growth of Epiphyllum, if the leaves turn yellow, 1 application of 500 times diluted ferrous sulfate solution is needed, and after flower buds appear, 1 application of 1000 times diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate is needed.

2. After the flowers fade, 1 application of phosphate fertilizer and potassium fertilizer needs to be added about every 20 days. Fertilizing needs to stop in late autumn. During the growing period, Epiphyllum can be given 1 application of decomposed cake fertilizer water every 15 days. In spring and autumn, apply nitrogen fertilizer once a month, with appropriate concentration. Generally, proper water and fertilizer management can extend the flowering time, while too much water and fertilizer will lead to excessive vegetative growth.

5. Precautions

1. Water and fertilizer management need to be done well, with strict water control and reasonable fertilizing. Insufficient water and fertilizer will reduce the number of flowers.

2. Avoid strong direct sunlight, and shade when necessary. Avoid standing water in the pot. Do not expose it to rain in summer, as it easily causes root rot.

3. Plants over 3 years old need to be tied and fixed, otherwise they are prone to lodging.