Epiphyllum (Night-Blooming Cereus) Growing Methods and Picture Gallery

SummarySoil: You can use leaf mold, garden soil, and sandy soil for growing. Fertilizing: You can apply well-rotted organic fertilizer, superphosphate, ferrous sulfate solution, etc. Watering: In seasons with lower temperatures, keep the potting soil on the drier side; after temperatures rise, you can increase the amount of watering. Light: Place it in a shaded spot for growing; the suitable growing temperature is around 21°C-24°C. Repotting: Young plants should be repotted once a year, and established plants should be repotted once every 2-3 years.

I. Soil

1. Epiphyllum is suitable for planting in slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, loose, fertile, and well-drained. The potting soil ratio is leaf mold : garden soil : sandy soil = 4:4:2.

2. After mixing the potting soil, you can place it in the sun to sterilize it. When planting, put a layer of broken tiles or brick pieces at the bottom of the pot to help increase air permeability and drainage.

II. Fertilizing

1. Epiphyllum prefers fertilizer. It is best to mainly apply well-rotted organic fertilizer, then add a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate. During this time, mix it evenly with the potting soil. The application amount is 1/20-1/30 of the potting soil.

2. In spring, apply additional fertilizer after new stems grow. During the growing period, if the leaves are found to turn yellow, apply a 500-fold ferrous sulfate solution once. After flower buds appear, apply a 1000-fold monopotassium phosphate solution once. After the flowers fade, apply an additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once about every 20 days. Fertilizing should stop in late autumn.

III. Watering

1. Epiphyllum is afraid of waterlogging. In late autumn, winter, and early spring when temperatures are relatively low, Epiphyllum enters a semi-dormant state. At this time, strictly control the amount of watering so that the potting soil stays on the drier side. After it dries out completely, just water it slightly.

2. After temperatures rise in spring, Epiphyllum begins to resume growth. During this period, gradually increase the amount of watering to keep the soil moist. During the period of vigorous growth, in addition to watering, you also need to sprinkle water around the plant to help increase air humidity, and strengthen ventilation.

IV. Light

1. Epiphyllum does not have very high light requirements and is more suitable for growing in a semi-shaded and warm environment. In summer, it can be placed in a shaded spot for growing, or in a place without direct sunlight.

2. The suitable growing temperature in spring and summer is around 21°C-24°C. In winter, it should be cultivated in a greenhouse and given full sun, which helps with flowering.

V. Repotting

1. Young Epiphyllum plants should be repotted once a year, and established plants generally should be repotted once every 2-3 years. Repotting can be done in spring when the temperature is above 12°C, or in September.

2. Before repotting, stop watering so that the potting soil dries and the plant can be removed from the pot. When removing it from the pot, handle it gently to avoid bumping the plant. After removing it from the pot, remove the old soil outside the roots, then prune away dead roots and broken roots. After planting, it can be placed in a semi-shaded spot. Wait 2 days, then water slightly, keeping the soil in the pot on the drier side.