When Does the Epiphyllum Bloom? A Detailed Guide to Its Blooming Period

The lotus is a relatively limited-edition representative plant of every summer; its brief blooming period means it cannot be enjoyed all year round like other plants. So, do you know when the epiphyllum blooms? Let's take a look!

1. When Does the Epiphyllum Bloom

The epiphyllum (Epiphyllum hybrid) blooms around April to June each year. It comes in a wide range of colors and varieties and is a plant well worth admiring in summer.

2. Main Propagation Methods of the Epiphyllum

1. Cutting propagation

Cutting is generally used for propagation. It can be done year-round in a greenhouse, but cutting from May to July is best. Choose pest-free, healthy, plump 2-year-old leaf-like stems as cuttings; leaf-like stems of the current year are tender and prone to rot. After cutting the cutting from the mother plant, use a sharp knife to trim it into a section of 8-10 cm. Place it in a cool, ventilated spot for about 1 day. Wait until the wound dries slightly and forms a thin film before inserting it. For large-scale propagation, a seedbed must be established before cutting. Plain sand can be used as the cutting medium; disinfect the seedbed with a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution before use. When inserting, use a small wooden stick to make a hole and insert at the same time, to avoid damaging the tissue at the cut. After inserting, spray with plenty of water and shade it, keep the temperature at 15-20°C, and keep the seedbed moist but not overly wet; if the cuttings wilt slightly due to high temperatures, spray the plants with a fine mist sprayer. Generally, new roots grow in 20-30 days, and they should be transplanted promptly after rooting. For home propagation, the cuttings can be inserted directly into loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil with good drainage.

2. Grafting propagation

The epiphyllum can also be propagated by grafting. The rootstock is generally a vigorous, healthy cactus, and the cleft grafting method is suitable; it can be done at a room temperature of 15°C or above. The grafting survival rate is highest at a room temperature of 20-25°C.

When grafting, first cut off the top of the rootstock horizontally with a sharp steel knife (the steel knife should be disinfected with alcohol to prevent infection), then cut a wedge-shaped slit at the top, and next flatten both sides of the lower end of the scion. Immediately insert the scion into the slit, then insert a thin bamboo needle to secure the scion. After grafting, place the epiphyllum in a semi-shaded spot, be careful not to let water touch the wound, and after 7 days move it to a sunny spot.