How to propagate Epiphyllum oxypetalum by cuttings? Just cut a section of leaf and it can survive

Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical cactus plant, famous for its poignantly beautiful flowers that bloom at night. Gardening enthusiasts ask: Is it difficult to grow Epiphyllum oxypetalum? How can I make it easier for Epiphyllum oxypetalum to bloom?

Below, the editor will teach you the most practical experience.

1. Propagating and planting Epiphyllum oxypetalum

1. Cutting the leaves

If you find it too much trouble, you can just buy a small pot at a flower shop and grow it slowly. Of course, you can also cut some leaves from a gardening friend's home to propagate. After successful rooting, the sense of accomplishment is very great.

When selecting leaves for cuttings, be sure to choose mature and thick ones, about 10 cm long. You can cut several sections to increase the chance of success.

2. Pre-cutting treatment

Place the cut leaves in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. It is best to put them in a shaded, ventilated, dry indoor area. Epiphyllum oxypetalum is also a succulent-type plant, and the leaves can survive out of the potting soil for a month without dying.

The leaves we cut will be left for a week, and their wounds will heal, which can prevent rot during cutting.

3. The cutting process

The pot used for growing Epiphyllum oxypetalum must have many drainage holes to avoid water accumulation in the soil causing leaf rot. It is recommended to mix peat soil and perlite at a 1:1 ratio (the perlite size should be 3 mm or less; you can also use only perlite), so there is no need to worry about water accumulation. The pot material can be terracotta or plastic. Once Epiphyllum oxypetalum has rooted, transplant it into new medium and a new pot. (Keep it slightly moist, not wet)

4. Watering notes

Do not water too frequently; frequent watering easily causes rot. Water only when you see it is slightly dry. If you find that a section of leaf is about to rot, cut it off promptly.

If all the cutting leaves have rotted, remove them from the pot and also remove the soil beside them.

2. How to care for Epiphyllum oxypetalum

1. Placement location

After the cutting of Epiphyllum oxypetalum has rooted and been transplanted, place it in a spot with scattered light and ventilation. In the early stage, avoid rain. It can be hung in the air to grow, which can also prevent slugs and snails.

Sunlight must not be too strong, otherwise the leaves will burn. It can be placed on an east- or north-facing windowsill, keeping the air circulating and protecting it from rain and storms.

2. Watering

If the weather is hot, water every few days so that the soil does not completely dry out. Water when it is slightly dry.

Water thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

3. Fertilizing Epiphyllum oxypetalum

If you want Epiphyllum oxypetalum to bloom better, you need to fertilize regularly. Always use light fertilizer, not concentrated fertilizer. The fertilizing time is generally from May to late August, or give a little phosphorus fertilizer after flowering as a supplement.

The frequency of fertilizing is the same as the interval between waterings, that is, fertilize once after watering twice. The fertilizer concentration should be 1/3 of what the instructions say. Remember, it must not be concentrated; too much is definitely not good.

In winter, you can give a little phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, but not nitrogen fertilizer. A nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 10/2/10 or 0-10-10 is suitable. After spring warms up, you can apply a balanced fertilizer.

4. Winter care

During the autumn cooling and spring cold spells, be sure to keep the care temperature for Epiphyllum oxypetalum above 5°C, otherwise it will suffer frost damage. If there is no heating, you can use a cardboard box for protection or cover it with a bag to prevent damage from hail.

The best time to plant and propagate Epiphyllum oxypetalum is between April and September. In the early stage, avoid direct sunlight.

5. Care after transplanting

It is all about technique for the cutting of Epiphyllum oxypetalum to survive, root, and then be transplanted. After 1-2 years, it needs to be transplanted into a larger pot. But if your Epiphyllum oxypetalum is not growing very well, then there is no need to change to a larger pot. (Generally, a plastic pot of about 20 cm is enough)

When repotting, pay attention to checking the soil condition to see whether the soil is compacted. Remove the old soil and the withered roots.

If your Epiphyllum oxypetalum has been grown for 1-2 years and still has not bloomed, do not be discouraged. Master the practice of light fertilizer applied frequently and the supplementation of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in winter. After about 3-4 years, your Epiphyllum oxypetalum will be able to bloom.