How to grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum? A detailed guide to caring for the "Beauty Under the Moon"

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as night-blooming cereus, ghost flower, and Weituo flower, is an epiphytic succulent shrub in the cactus family (Cactaceae), genus Epiphyllum, and enjoys the reputation of “Beauty Under the Moon.” So, what are the growth habits of Epiphyllum oxypetalum? How does it propagate? How do you grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum? Let's find out together!

I. Growth Habits of Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Epiphyllum oxypetalum originates from the tropical deserts stretching from Mexico to Brazil in the Americas. It prefers warm, humid, semi-shaded, warm and moist environments, is not tolerant of frost, and dislikes intense direct sunlight. In particular, its temperature requirements are higher than those of its place of origin: 15-25°C, with night temperatures of 16-18°C and daytime temperatures of 21-24°C in spring and summer. The overwintering temperature is 10-12°C, and the soil should not be too dry. In winter it can withstand low temperatures of around 5°C. For soil, it is best to use a slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, with good drainage, loose and fertile - otherwise the roots are prone to rot.

II. Propagation Methods of Epiphyllum oxypetalum

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is commonly propagated by cuttings. From March to May, select robust, thick leaf-like stems as cuttings, 20-30 cm long, cut them into sections of 2-3 nodes each, and trim the base flat. After the cut surface has dried slightly, insert them into a clean sand bed, maintaining a soil moisture content of about 60% and a room temperature of 18-24°C. Roots will form about 3 weeks after insertion; once the roots reach 3-4 cm long, pot them up. If the main stem is used for cuttings, flowers can be seen the same year; with side stems, it takes 2-3 years to bloom.

III. How Do You Grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

1. Potting soil: Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers a slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, with good drainage, loose and fertile. The typical potting soil ratio is: leaf mold : garden soil : sand = 4:4:2. After mixing the soil, it is best to sterilize it by drying it in the sun. When planting, place a layer of broken tiles or bricks at the bottom of the pot to improve aeration and drainage.

2. Watering: Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers moist soil and higher air humidity, but is afraid of waterlogging. When temperatures are lower in late autumn, winter, and early spring, Epiphyllum oxypetalum is in a semi-dormant state, so watering should be strictly controlled, keeping the potting soil on the dry side; once it has dried out completely, just water it lightly. After temperatures rise in spring, Epiphyllum oxypetalum begins to resume growth, and the amount of watering can be gradually increased to keep the soil moist. During vigorous growth, in addition to watering, water should also be sprinkled around the plant to increase air humidity, and ventilation should be strengthened.

3. Fertilizing: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is relatively fond of fertilizer and has fairly high fertilizer requirements. Well-rotted organic fertilizer is best, with a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate added. Add it when preparing the soil and mix it evenly with the potting soil, at a rate of 1/20 to 1/30 of the potting soil. After new stems emerge in spring, begin top-dressing. During the growth period, if the leaves turn yellow, apply a 500-fold ferrous sulfate solution once; after flower buds appear, apply a 1000-fold potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once; after the flowers fade, apply a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every 20 days or so; stop fertilizing in late autumn.

4. Repotting: Young Epiphyllum oxypetalum plants should be repotted once a year, while established plants are generally repotted once every 2 to 3 years. Repot in spring when the temperature is above 12°C, or in September. Stop watering before repotting so the potting soil dries out and the plant can be removed from the pot. Handle it gently when removing it to avoid bumping the plant. After removal, remove the old soil outside the roots and prune away dead and broken roots. After planting, place it in a semi-shaded spot and do not water for the time being; after 2 days, water lightly and keep the potting soil on the dry side.

5. Support and protection: Because the modified stems of potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum are weak, they should be tied up or staked promptly. Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a shade-loving plant; in summer, potted plants can be placed under tree shade or under the eaves, but avoid being hit by rainwater, which could cause the plant to expose its roots and topple, affecting growth. In winter, they need to be moved indoors to overwinter.

6. Flowering period: To change the habit of Epiphyllum oxypetalum flowering at night, the method of “reversing day and night” can be used to make it bloom during the day. When the flower buds of Epiphyllum oxypetalum swell, move the plant during the day to a dark room or cover it with a black shade cover made of black plastic film, without letting any light through; then at night, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next morning, illuminate it with light. After this treatment for 7-8 days, Epiphyllum oxypetalum can bloom during the day, just as people wish.