How to grow potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum well? Detailed care methods and tips
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Qionghua, Guizaihua, Weituohua, etc., is an epiphytic succulent shrub plant of the genus Epiphyllum in the cactus family, enjoying the reputation of "Beauty under the Moon". After the flower gradually unfolds, it slowly withers again after 1 to 2 hours, and the whole process lasts only about 4 hours, hence the saying "a fleeting Epiphyllum bloom". It is widely cultivated in various regions of the world. Let us take a look below at how to grow potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum well!
Growth habits of Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Epiphyllum oxypetalum originates from the tropical deserts of Mexico to Brazil in the Americas. It prefers a warm and humid semi-shaded, warm and moist environment, is not tolerant of frost, and avoids strong direct sunlight. In particular, its temperature requirements are higher than those of its place of origin, at 15 to 25°C. In spring and summer, the night temperature needs to be 16 to 18°C, and the daytime temperature 21 to 24°C. The overwintering temperature is 10 to 12°C, and the soil should not be too dry. In winter it can tolerate low temperatures of around 5°C. The soil should preferably be a slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, with good drainage, loose and fertile, otherwise root rot easily occurs.
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 to 30 cm long, cut them into sections of 2 to 3 nodes each, flatten the base, and after the cut surface is slightly dry, insert them into a clean sand bed. Keep the soil moisture content at about 60% and the room temperature at 18 to 24°C. After insertion, roots form in about 3 weeks, and when the roots are 3 to 4 cm long, pot them up. If the main stem is used for cuttings, flowers can be seen in the same year; if side stems are used, it takes 2 to 3 years to bloom.
How to grow potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum?
1. Potting soil: Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers a slightly acidic sandy soil rich in humus, with good drainage, loose and fertile. The general ratio for preparing potting soil is: leaf mold : garden soil : sand = 4:4:2. After mixing the soil, it is best to expose it to the sun to sterilize it. When planting, place a layer of broken tiles or brick pieces at the bottom of the pot to increase air permeability and drainage.
2. Watering: Epiphyllum oxypetalum prefers moist soil and relatively high air humidity, and is afraid of waterlogging. When temperatures are relatively low in late autumn, winter, and early spring, Epiphyllum oxypetalum is in a semi-dormant state, so watering should be strictly controlled to keep the potting soil on the dry side; after it is completely dry, just water it slightly. 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 strengthen ventilation.
3. Fertilizing: Epiphyllum oxypetalum relatively likes fertilizer and also has relatively high fertilizer requirements. Well-rotted organic fertilizer is best, plus a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate. Add it when preparing the soil and mix it evenly with the potting soil; the application amount is 1/20 to 1/30 of the potting soil. After new stems grow in spring, begin topdressing. 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 monopotassium phosphate once. After the flowers wither, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every about 20 days. Stop fertilizing in late autumn.
4. Repotting: Young Epiphyllum oxypetalum plants are repotted once a year, while established plants are generally repotted once every 2 to 3 years. Repotting is carried out in spring when the temperature is above 12°C, and can also be done in September. Before repotting, stop watering so that the potting soil dries and the plant can be removed from the pot. When removing it from the pot, handle it gently to avoid bumping the plant. After removal, remove the old soil outside the roots, prune off dead roots and broken roots, then plant it and place it in a semi-shaded place. Do not water for the time being; after 2 days, water slightly 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 or staked in time. Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a shade-loving plant. In summer, potted Epiphyllum oxypetalum can be placed under tree shade or under the eaves, but it should avoid being hit by rainwater, so as to prevent the plant from exposing its roots and tipping over, which would affect growth. In winter, it needs to be moved indoors to overwinter.
6. Flowering period: In order to change the habit of Epiphyllum oxypetalum blooming 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 it 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, and at night from 8 o'clock to 6 o'clock the next morning, use light to illuminate it. After treating it this way for 7 to 8 days, Epiphyllum oxypetalum can bloom during the day according to people's wishes.