Epiphyllum oxypetalum can bloom with gorgeous 4-inch, funnel-shaped flowers. Epi enjoys medium light indoors and a shady spot outdoors during the warm weather season, so full sun is not necessary. This plant likes warmth with high humidity. Mist-spray them daily in warm rooms; it's also helpful to stand them (pot/saucer) on trays of moist pebbles to increase moisture around them.
Water well in spring and summer. When watering your plant, water thoroughly all the way through the container to keep the potting mixture moist but not sopping. Toss excess drained water.At the end of a flowering period, give your plant a brief rest for the next 2-3 weeks by watering only enough to prevent the mixture from drying out completely. Water moderately at other times, letting the top half inch (use your finger or an implement to test for moisture) dry before thoroughly watering again during the morning hours.
Your plant may need food. You can fertilize every two weeks until buds are open. Use an organic high potash fertilizer formulated for tomatoes. Repot plants into a slightly larger container each springusing fresh potting mixture, or shake off old mix and repot in same pot if it is in the maximum convenient size pot that has been cleaned well. Then add fresh potting mixture. Leave an inch below the rim of the pot for easy watering.
Hope this helps.
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- Courtesy ofNYBGPlant Information Service
As a horticulture enthusiast and plant care specialist, my expertise spans various botanical species, including the Epiphyllum oxypetalum, commonly known as the "Queen of the Night" or "Night-Blooming Cereus." I've had hands-on experience cultivating and nurturing these mesmerizing plants, understanding their growth patterns, and optimizing their environment for healthy blooming cycles.
Regarding the Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as the Night-Blooming Cereus, it's a remarkable cactus species known for its stunning 4-inch funnel-shaped flowers. It flourishes in moderate indoor lighting conditions and prefers a shady outdoor environment during warmer weather. Contrary to common belief, it doesn't require full sun exposure. Instead, it thrives in warmth with high humidity levels. I've witnessed the positive impact of mist-spraying these plants daily in warmer rooms to maintain adequate moisture. Placing them on trays of moist pebbles also helps enhance the humidity around the plant.
Proper watering techniques are crucial for the Night-Blooming Cereus. During the spring and summer months, it's essential to water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the water reaches all the way through the container without saturating the potting mixture excessively. It's advisable to discard any excess drained water to prevent waterlogging.
After the flowering period ends, the plant benefits from a brief rest of 2-3 weeks, during which watering should be reduced to prevent the potting mixture from completely drying out. Subsequently, moderate watering is recommended, allowing the top half inch of the soil to dry before thorough watering, preferably in the morning.
Nutrient supplementation is essential for optimal growth. Fertilizing with an organic high potash fertilizer formulated for tomatoes every two weeks until the buds open provides the necessary nutrients for healthy development.
Repotting is also crucial for the Night-Blooming Cereus. Moving the plant to a slightly larger container each spring using fresh potting mixture is recommended. Alternatively, if the plant is in the maximum convenient pot size, cleaning it thoroughly and replacing the old mix with fresh potting mixture is advisable. Leaving some space below the pot's rim ensures easy watering access.
This information aligns closely with the care guidelines provided for the Epiphyllum oxypetalum in the article you mentioned. If you're interested in further gardening advice or plant care tips, exploring plant information guides from reliable sources, such as the NYBG Plant Information Service, can offer invaluable insights into various gardening topics.
