Latest Prices for Epiphyllum Seeds and Introduction to Growing Methods

Epiphyllum is also known as Qionghua, Guizaihua, Weituohua, etc. It is an epiphytic succulent shrub of the genus Epiphyllum in the cactus family, native to the tropical deserts from Mexico to Brazil in the Americas. It enjoys the reputation of “Beauty Under the Moon”, and its entire flowering process lasts only about 4 hours, hence the saying “a fleeting Epiphyllum bloom”. It is now commonly cultivated in various provinces and regions of our country. Let us take a look together at the price of Epiphyllum seeds and the growing methods!

How much does one Epiphyllum seed cost?

The price of Epiphyllum seeds is about 0.1 to 0.2 yuan per seed, but prices vary depending on seed quality, variety and market conditions. After flowering, Epiphyllum produces many seeds. After collecting the seeds, soak them in water, and once the shells become soft they can be planted. The soil should be kept moist, and generally about 2 to 3 weeks after sowing they will germinate. However, Epiphyllum grown from seed grows slowly, taking 4 to 5 years from sowing to flowering, so it is often used for hybrid breeding, while production cultivation mostly uses cuttings for propagation.

Growth Habits of Epiphyllum

1. Soil: Epiphyllum prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil. When grown in pots, the growing medium can be a mix of 2 parts peat soil, 1 part coarse sand and 1 part cinder, with sufficient base fertilizer applied.

2. Humidity: Epiphyllum is a shade-loving plant. In summer, potted Epiphyllum can be placed under tree shade or under the eaves, but should avoid being hit by rain, so as to prevent the plant from exposing its roots and toppling over, which would affect growth.

3. Temperature: Epiphyllum does not have high temperature requirements. In spring and summer, its suitable growing temperature is 21 to 24°C during the day and 16 to 18°C at night. In winter it should be moved into a greenhouse in a sunny spot, with the temperature kept at 10 to 13°C.

4. Light: Epiphyllum prefers sunny, warm environments. But it should not be exposed to harsh sun. On hot summer days it should be kept under a shade screen, or grown in a place without direct sunlight.

Growing Methods for Epiphyllum

1. Soil: Epiphyllum cultivation does not have high soil requirements, but the potting soil should be a slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, with good drainage, loose and fertile, otherwise the roots are prone to rot. A commonly used soil mix can be 2 parts peat soil, 1 part coarse sand and 1 part cinder.

2. Light: Epiphyllum prefers partial shade. In spring and autumn, place it outdoors in a semi-shaded spot to prevent direct sunlight. In summer, it is best placed indoors in a bright, well-ventilated spot, or on a north-facing balcony or under the shade of a large tree, but avoid strong light exposure.

3. Watering: In spring and autumn, water Epiphyllum by the principle of watering when dry and keeping it moist. In summer, water slightly more, but the pot must not accumulate water, otherwise the roots rot easily. In dry and hot weather, spray the plant with clean water once each morning and evening to increase air humidity, which helps growth and flowering.

4. Fertilizing: Epiphyllum relatively likes fertilizer. Decomposed organic fertilizer plus a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate is best. During the growing season, apply a thin cake fertilizer solution once every half month. After buds appear, apply 1 to 2 additional doses of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate. After the flowers fade, apply 1 to 2 more doses of liquid fertilizer.

5. Pruning: Proper pruning of Epiphyllum can maintain its overall attractive appearance. Generally, after flowering, promptly remove old branches, thin out weak buds at the top and upper part of the modified stems, and keep the strong buds in the middle and lower parts. At the same time, because the leaf-like stems of Epiphyllum are weak, supports should be set up.

Precautions for Epiphyllum

1. Epiphyllum is not cold-tolerant. Before “Frost's Descent” each year (mid-October), it needs to be moved indoors for the winter. A room temperature of about 15°C is suitable for overwintering, and it can also overwinter safely if kept above 5°C.

2. Although Epiphyllum likes sunlight, it also fears harsh sun. Harsh sun will make the stems and branches turn yellow. In summer, the temperature should not exceed 35°C, otherwise the plant easily becomes shriveled, and it can also attract pests such as scale insects.

3. When watering Epiphyllum indoors in winter, the amount of water must be controlled. The potting soil should preferably be kept on the dry side. Generally water once every 10 to 15 days, and this can be done at noon on a sunny day. In severe cold, watering should be stopped.