What Is Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus) ?
Epiphyllum Orchid Cactus is the plant that is native to tropical jungles and puts off lengthy dangling arms that put on stunning blooms. These different looking plants can be strapping to search and make the perfect plant for a hanging pot!
Epiphyllum is a genus of about at least 15 species of epiphytic plants in the family Cactaceae which is native to tropical and subtropical America.
The flowers are exceptionally adoring in size, color, and fragrance. Likewise all types of cacti, Epiphyllums possess stems however with no leaves. They are often grown in hanging baskets to accommodate their leaf-like stems however can also be developed in containers. In the wild, Epiphyllum grows between tree branches and into rock crevices. The genus contains one of the most expensive flowers in the world – Epiphyllum oxypetalum which is also called Kadupul or Queen of the Night.
Orchid Cactus Care: Epiphyllum Care
Likewise the summer-flowering tuberous begonia, these are “shade plants” only in warm climates, where they can spend the summer season near a protective north wall or in the dappled shade from a tree.
Otherwise, they require exposure of sunlight in the fall season, winter, and spring, and shade only when summer sun becomes searing warm. The Epiphyllum flower best when temperatures stay near 65 degrees.
Misting or spraying the stems, except when the plants are in bud or flower, both humidifies and make sure that the leaves of clogging dust are clean.
Repotting & Soils
The well-known conception of a cactus potting soil mix is not acceptable to sustain orchid cactus. These are tree-dwellers where their roots feed on decaying organic matter and are largely exposed to the air.
If your plant is not pot-bound then be certain to move it to the next size pot or into hanging baskets instead of a larger one.
Water Requirements
In winter, when they rest, they require just abundant water to keep the stems from shriveling.
The active growing season commence in early spring season for abundant varieties.
The plants require moisture in the air and for the roots.
When developing, they need an abundant amount of water, standard quality ventilation, and protection from immense heat and strapping exposure of the sun. Let the plants have slight drying off during dormancy however never let them become perfectly dry.
In February while growth commences once again, commence with soft however regular feedings of weak liquid foliar cactus fertilizer solutions every two weeks during growth.
Recent Bloomers
Epiphyllums do not possess leaves however just stems or branches which consist of two-edged or triangular structures along which the blooms tend to appear. The paramount difference in varieties is the color of bloom although the shape of branch and flower is no constant at all.
Epiphyllum plants flower while being in its youth, commencing in February and various plants keep flowering into July. After blooming they develop their autumn growth ultimately then become dormant.
Epiphyllums prefers moist air and some amount of sun. After the buds are set off the pots are the best moved outdoors, if the weather is mild.
A mild, porous, humus-rich potting mix that will hold some amount of moisture and yet will drain briskly. The soil must be coarse, not finely sifted; slightly acid; and for a further amount of aeration and purification, graciously supplied with tiny bits of crushed charcoal.
Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are not recommended.
These cactus orchid plants must not be overpotted however mildly root-bound. While repotting is known for – with mature plants, not more often than every second year – have the plant, new and unique pot and soil nearly dry.
Transplanting is widely done a month after flowering but does not transplant unless it is being considered to be important.
Cutting
Epiphyllum cactus species are convenient to develop from seeds. All types can be propagated by lengthy stem cuttings with a strapping center stem – which is laid aside for a week or ten days until the cut end is hardened over.
Let the cuttings be inserted up to an inch deep in coarse, dryish sand, insufficient amount of light but not sun. When they are rooted and potted, hold back on the water for various amount of days.
Entire the process, handle the cuttings with care and caution; bruises or broken spots on stems or new roots give fungus rot a way to enter.