Epiphyllum oxypetalum

El Epiphyllum oxypetalum It is an epiphytic cactus perfect to put on the balcony, or in the garden next to the trunk of a tree. It lacks spines, which makes it a completely safe species for children and pets, and it is not very demanding.

It produces very large flowers, as you can see in the image, but in addition to its size you will surely not be able to forget its aroma. Also, although they only stay open one night, they always appear in groups.

Origin and characteristics of Epiphyllum oxypetalum

It is an epiphytic cactus that grows wild in Tropical America, specifically from Costa Rica to Pando (Bolivia). In Guatemala it is a threatened plant, which is why it was included in the Red List. It can measure between 2 and 3 meters in heightIf you are lucky to have something to support you; otherwise it will grow creeping. The leaves are actually flat, paddle-shaped segments measuring 10 centimeters wide by 3-5 millimeters thick. Their color is green, since they carry out photosynthesis.

The flowers are 25 centimeters in diameterThey are white and, as we said at the beginning, they open at night. At dawn they close, and if pollination has occurred, that is, if it has obtained pollen from another plant, the fruit will begin to form, which will be red.

What are the care you need?

El Epiphyllum oxypetalum it is a plant that, really, does not require much care. Ideal for beginners, and also for those who do not have much time to dedicate to their crops. In addition, it is the species that, when you return from your holidays -if they are short-, you will find yourself the same as when you left.

How do you take care of yourself? If you are curious, below we will tell you everything you need to know so that your cactus is always in good condition:

Location

It is a plant that must be abroad, in a place where there is light. It can get direct sun, but if it is kept in semi-shade it will grow just as well.

Indoor cultivation is not recommended, since in these conditions the light is usually insufficient. Even so, As it is tropical and therefore sensitive to frost, if in your area you have to protect it, you can take it to a bright room, but keep it away from drafts and windows. Likewise, you also have the option of buying a lamp that stimulates its growth.

Earth

• Flower pot: it is highly recommended to mix black peat with perlite (on sale No products found.) in equal parts; pomice will also work for you (buy it from No products found.) or construction sand (gravel, small grain 1-3mm thick) mixed with 40% peat, or cactus soil that you can buy No products found..
• Garden: the garden is an ideal place to plant it, if the climate is warm and there is no frost. The soil must be rich in nutrients, and it must also have good drainage.

Irrigation

Irrigation it will be more frequent in summer than in winter. During the warm months, especially if it coincides with the low rainfall, you have to water more often, once or twice a week. The rest of the year it will be every 10 or 15 days.

If you have doubts, it is advisable that you check the humidity of the soil. In this way you will avoid adding more water than it needs and, therefore, you will ensure that it continues to grow normally. For this you can introduce a wooden stick for example: if it comes out clean, or practically clean, then it needs water.

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Since the beginning of spring, when the temperature rises above 15ºC, until the end of summer it is advisable to pay at Epiphyllum oxypetalum. Use liquid cactus fertilizers, like this one you will find No products found., following the indications that you will find on the product packaging.

Another option is to pay it with Nitrophoska Blue. One, or two if the plant is large, small spoonfuls will be enough for the cactus to grow, and also for its precious flowers to sprout.

Multiplication

This species multiplies by seeds and cuttings during spring or summer. The step by step to follow is as follows:

Seeds

1. El Epiphyllum oxypetalum it needs to receive pollen from another flower from another specimen so that pollination can take place. Therefore, if we have two plants that are flowering at the moment, what we will do is pass the brush first through the flower of one and immediately after that of the other. We will repeat a couple of times.
2. If everything has gone well, the next day the fruit will begin to form, which will be ready in a few weeks.
3. After that time, we will collect it and open it, exposing the seeds.
4. These have been washed with water, and then planted in seed trays or in pots with previously watered cactus soil.
5. We will place them separated from each other, and we will cover them with a thin layer of soil.
6. Finally, we will put the seedbed outside, in semi-shade.

They will germinate in about 6-10 days.

Cuttings

1. The first thing we will do is get the cutting, cutting a stem of our plant with a clean and disinfected knife.
2. Later, we will put it in a dry place, in semi-shade, and we will leave it there for a week for the wound to heal.
3. Then it must be planted in a pot with soil for cacti or with a pumice, burying only a little the part that was attached to the mother plant. If you want, before doing so, the base can be impregnated with rooting hormones.
4. Finally, it will be watered and placed in an area where there is light.

In about 10 to 15 days it will emit its roots.

Plagues and diseases

In warm season it may have some cochineal, but nothing important. It is easy to remove with a brush, or if you prefer with an anti-cochineal insecticide.

Rusticity

Withstands the cold, but if there is frost in your area you will have to protect it for example at home or in a greenhouse.

What did you think of this cactus? Would you like to have one? Buy seeds by clicking on No products found..

Good planting!