How to raise potted epiphyllum?

Epiphyllum, also known as Qionghua, Ghost Flower, Weituo Flower, etc., is an epiphytic succulent shrub of the cactus family, enjoying the reputation of "beauty under the moon". When the flower gradually unfolds, it slowly withered after 1-2 hours, the whole process is only about 4 hours, so there is a "flash in the pan". It is widely cultivated in various parts of the world. Let's take a look at how to raise potted epiphyllum.

Growth habits of epiphyllum

Epiphyllum originated from America, Mexico to Brazil in the tropical desert, like warm and humid semi-shade, warm and humid environment, not resistant to frost, avoid strong light exposure. In particular, the temperature is higher than that of the country of origin, which is 15: 25 ℃. The night temperature in spring and summer is 16: 18 ℃, and the daytime temperature is 21: 24 ℃. The overwintering temperature is 10-12 ℃, so the soil should not be too dry. It can withstand low temperature of about 5 ℃ in winter. Soil requirements should be rich in humus, good drainage performance, loose and fertile slightly acidic sandy soil, otherwise it is easy to rett roots.

Propagation methods of epiphyllum

Epiphyllum is commonly propagated by cuttage. From March to May, the sturdy, thick leafy stem is selected as cuttings, which is 20cm long and cut apart according to 2cm. The base is cut flat, and after the cut is slightly dried, it is inserted into a clean sand bed. The water content in the soil is kept at about 60%, room temperature is kept at 18 ℃, rooting is taken about 3 weeks after cutting, and the root is boiled when the root is 3 cm long. If you use the main stem cuttage, you can see flowers in that year, but it will take 2-3 years for the lateral stem to blossom.

How to raise potted epiphyllum?

1. Potted soil: epiphyllum is rich in humus, well drained, loose and fertile slightly acidic sandy soil. The proportion of basin soil is generally as follows: rotten leaf soil, ∶ garden soil, ∶ sand soil = 4 ∶ 4 ∶ 2. After the soil is ready, it is best to be sterilized in the sun. When planting, put a layer of broken tiles or bricks at the bottom of the basin to increase ventilation and drainage.

2. Watering: epiphyllum likes moist soil and high air humidity, and is afraid of waterlogging. When the temperature is low in late autumn, winter and early spring, epiphyllum is in a semi-dormant state. Watering should be strictly controlled to keep the basin soil in a dry state. When the temperature rises in spring, epiphyllum begins to grow again, which can gradually increase the amount of water and keep the soil moist. When growing vigorously, in addition to watering, water should also be sprinkled around the plant to increase air humidity and strengthen ventilation.

3. Fertilization: epiphyllum prefers fertilizer and has more requirements for fertilizer. It is better to use rotten organic fertilizer, plus a small amount of bone meal or superphosphate. Add it when preparing the soil and mix it with the basin soil evenly. The application amount is from 20 to 30 of the basin soil. After the new stem grows in spring, topdressing begins. If the leaves turn yellow during the growth period, ferrous sulfate solution should be applied once, 1000 times potassium dihydrogen phosphate should be applied once after flower buds, and phosphorus and potash fertilizer should be applied every 20 days or so after flower withering. Fertilization should be stopped at the end of autumn.

4. Change the basin: the young plants of epiphyllum change the basin once a year, and the formed plants generally change the basin once every 2 to 3 years. The basin change can be carried out when the spring temperature is above 12 ℃, or in September. Before changing the basin should stop watering, so that the basin soil dry after the basin, off the basin should be handled gently, to avoid touching the plant. After removing the pot, remove the old soil outside the root, trim the dead root and cut the root, put it in a semi-shady place after planting, do not water it temporarily, and water it slightly after 2 days to keep the basin soil dry.

5. Cover: potted epiphyllum should be tied or propped up in time because the abnormal stem is weak. Epiphyllum is a negative plant, potted flowers can be placed under the shade or under the eaves in summer, but to avoid Rain Water dripping, so as not to cause plant root dumping, affecting growth. You need to move indoors in winter.

6. Florescence: in order to change the habit of blooming epiphyllum at night, the method of "day and night upside down" can be adopted to make epiphyllum bloom during the day. When the epiphyllum buds are enlarged, the epiphyllum is moved to a dark room or covered with a dark shade made of black plastic film during the day, without any light, but is illuminated by light from 8 o'clock in the evening to 6 o'clock in the next morning. Epiphyllum can bloom during the day according to people's wishes.