Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a species of leaf cactus, the care of which is not laborious. Therefore, this Epiphyllum variety, just like Epiphyllum anguliger, is perfectly suitable for beginners. What should you pay attention to when caring for Epiphyllum oxypetalum?
How to water Epiphyllum oxypetalum?
In spring and summer abundantly
no waterlogging!
Water less in winter
use water with low lime content
During the growing season, Epiphyllum needs quite a lot of water, unlike other cactus species. Therefore, water frequently, but do not let water stand in the saucer or planter.
Rainwater is best suited.
Do you fertilize Epiphyllum?
Unlike other types of cacti, Epiphyllum does not tolerate cactus fertilizer. Fertilize it at fortnightly intervals with special foliage cactus fertilizer or liquid fertilizer with low nitrogen content. Reduce the specified dose by half.
When does Epiphyllum oxypetalum need to be repotted?
If the old pot becomes too small, repot the Epiphyllum oxypetalum in a larger pot with a drainage hole in the spring. Do not fill the pot with cactus soil, but use potting soil mixed with sand and gravel.
Are you allowed to cut the leaf cactus?
Cutting is not necessary! However, if the epiphyllum becomes too large, you may shorten it. The best time to cut it back is in the spring. Cut the shoots back by two-thirds.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Rot will occur if you keep the leaf cactus too wet. If spots show on the leaves, the epiphyllum is suffering from fungal infections or temperatures that are too cool in the location.
Pests that occur are:
Spider mites
Scale insects
Thrips
Does the Epiphyllum oxypetalum need to be overwintered?
In principle, you could maintain the Epiphyllum in the flower window all year round. However, this is not recommended, as the leaf cactus will not bear flowers without a cool rest.
Place the Epiphyllum oxypetalum in winter in a place where temperatures are between 12 and 15 degrees. It should never get colder than 10 degrees!
The cooler the location, the less you should water the leaf cactus. Do not fertilize it in winter!
Tips
The flowers of Epiphyllum oxypetalum can grow up to 30 centimeters long and reach a diameter of up to 17 centimeters. The outer petals are reddish in color, while the inner ones remain white.