What are the pruning methods for the narrow-leaf cactus (Epiphyllum)?

The narrow-leaf cactus is also known as peacock orchid. It gets its name because its shape resembles an arrow and its flowers look like water lilies. It usually blooms in midsummer and is very popular among flower enthusiasts. But if you want it to look good, you need to prune it at the right time. So what are the pruning methods for the narrow-leaf cactus?

1. What are the pruning methods for the narrow-leaf cactus?

1. Pinch off new shoots

According to the size of the flower pot, design a suitable height and density, and generally keep the plant height at 30-40cm. When the narrow-leaf cactus plant grows to 30cm, you can first cut off the growing points on the plant. Use a small knife to gently cut at the tender tip of the stem. This can stop the plant from continuing to grow. Treat each stem segment in the pot the same way, and the whole plant will appear uniform in height.

2. Remove side buds

When the narrow-leaf cactus is growing, because the stem segments have stopped growing taller and no side buds are growing, they will grow thick and full. If side buds grow, they need to be cut off in time. Only keep the side buds growing from the soil. If the branches are too dense, you can prune by keeping the strong ones and removing the weak ones. Remove excess branches and buds so that only 3 to 4 main stem segments remain. Promptly remove excess new buds on the main stem segments of the narrow-leaf cactus to avoid affecting flowering.

3. Prune old branches

The branches of the narrow-leaf cactus that have already bloomed have aged and become woody, and generally will not bloom again, so those old branches that have already bloomed can be cut off.

2. Pruning principles for the narrow-leaf cactus

When pruning the narrow-leaf cactus, in principle, the side buds on the lower part of the plant should be kept, and the side buds on the upper part should be cut off. When shoots emerge, sufficient nutrients need to be ensured. After the new shoots have grown, the tips can be pinched off. The ones that bloom are generally the old branches; new branches do not bloom. When pruning, do not prune the old branches, but branches more than five years old can be pruned, and old leaves that have already bloomed can also be pruned.