Epiphyllum oxypetalum, the "Beauty Under the Moon": How long does it take from bud to bloom, how many years until it flowers, and what is its flower meaning?

Epiphyllum oxypetalum enjoys the reputation of “Beauty Under the Moon” and is widely cultivated in various regions around the world; it is commonly cultivated in all provinces and regions of China. So do you know how long it takes from bud to bloom? How many years does it generally take to flower? What is its flower meaning? According to the Wuhan flower, bird and fish market, Epiphyllum oxypetalum takes only about 3 weeks from budding to blooming, and before it blooms the bud has already reached its full size, and the color at the tip also changes from green to white, with fragrance filling the air as night falls. Moreover, the small drooping buds of Epiphyllum oxypetalum curve upward before opening.

So how many years of growing does Epiphyllum oxypetalum need before it blooms?

Generally, Epiphyllum oxypetalum takes two years from cutting to blooming, and generally three years will certainly bring it into bloom. If it is not cultivated properly, it may not bloom even in four or five years. The causes are as follows:

1. Too much nitrogen fertilizer, causing excessive vegetative growth; excessive shade, affecting the differentiation and formation of flower buds;

2. Exposure to direct sunlight, causing the modified stems to shrivel and turn yellow.

If you want Epiphyllum oxypetalum to bloom earlier, you can:

1. The growth and development of Epiphyllum oxypetalum during the year is staged. From spring to its bloom in July to August is the season of its most vigorous vegetative and reproductive growth, and at this time conditions for growth should be created for it. After the Start of Summer, place it outdoors in a shaded environment, and by no means expose it to direct sunlight. When growing Epiphyllum oxypetalum on a balcony, do not place it directly on the concrete slab; it is best to set it on a wooden board or heat-insulating material, and put up a shade canopy above.

2. From late August until flower buds appear, control fertilizer and water to make the soil somewhat drier; you may increase misting to maintain relatively high air humidity, so as to promote the formation of flower buds.

3. Once flower buds appear, the supply of fertilizer and water should be sufficient, and apply a topdressing of phosphorus fertilizer in time to promote large flowers and vivid colors. After the flowers fade, it has a short period of dormancy; at this time control watering, stop fertilizing, and keep the potting soil from becoming excessively dry.

4. After the Start of Autumn, it continues to grow; to rejuvenate the plant, apply one application of decomposed organic fertilizer. During the winter dormancy period, keep the potting soil from drying out, place it in a sunny spot, and it can overwinter safely as long as the room temperature is not lower than 10°C.

What is the flower meaning of Epiphyllum oxypetalum?

Beauty of an instant, eternity of a moment. A fleeting epiphyllum bloom; people use "a fleeting epiphyllum bloom" as a metaphor for beautiful things that do not last. Similar idioms include "in the snap of a finger," "a flash of lightning," "a white horse passing a crack," and "gone in a flash."