Fertilize and care for Epiphyllum properly
The Epiphyllum is a leaf cactus that is native to the rainforests of South and Central America. It is a thankful, richly flowering ampelous plant. It is available - now in many beautiful colors - in garden centers or nurseries. New hybrid breeds are particularly fascinating. Like orchids, leaf cacti can be an interesting hobby that you can spend your free time with in a meaningful way.
What you need:
- Cactus soil
- warm location
- Cactus fertilizer
Proper care of the leaf cactus (Epiphyllum)
The Epiphyllum prefers a moist and warm location, with temperatures of 20 ° to 25 ° C. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
- In our latitudes, this leaf cactus is also suitable as a balcony and terrace plant. However, it would grow more slowly in a shady place. The Epiphyllum is not winter-proof. If the night temperatures drop below 10 ° C, it must be brought inside.
- The substrate for the leaf cactus should be sandy or a standard cactus soil from the garden center. If you have the opportunity, you can mix the right substrate yourself. Potting soil, sand and gravel are mixed in equal parts. Through the sand or Gravel allows the excess irrigation water to run off better. During the growth phase from March to August you can fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks with a cactus fertilizer.
- It is best to water with rainwater and from below, but tap water with little lime is also possible. There is less watering in winter, but the soil must not dry out. With good care, the epiphyllum reproduces, sometimes around 13 cm in size as early as spring Lilies fragrant flowers.
- High humidity is advantageous for this plant. You can do this by spraying frequently, with the exception of the flowers, as they could otherwise become stained. From mid-May you can place the Epiphyllum in a partially shaded place in the garden.
- Is the cactus fades, he takes a break of approx. 4 weeks, during which fertilization is not allowed and watering should also be significantly reduced. After this time, the new shoots sprout. Many species then bloom again and again throughout the summer.
- The Epiphyllum can be propagated by sowing seeds or leaf cuttings. The cuttings should only be taken from strong shoots from the previous year. Let the cut surfaces of the cuttings air dry for a few days, then dip them in rooting powder and stick them into the substrate, where they will soon take root. Propagation by seeds is a little more difficult and should be left to a professional.
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