Introduction
Speaking of cactus, you may think of the leathery plant that is covered with thorns and stands tall in the desert. Today I will introduce you to a variety without thorns. It is an excellent ornamental variety, has good appearance and is easy to kill. It is reasonable and can be raised in places with little sunlight. I hope you like it.
1. Get to know "Epiphyllum"
Epiphyllum
This flower is "Epiphyllum", a rainforest cactus, and Epiphyllum A "close relative" of the same family and genus, it is native to the tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia. It is now widely exported to all over the world as an ornamental plant. Domestic flower lovers should be familiar with it. It is an "Internet celebrity" flower in recent years. Especially after several big V popularizations, it was once sold out of stock and was very popular among flower lovers.
The thornless cactus
Epiphyllum epiphyllum is an epiphytic succulent shrub plant . It can grow to two or three meters high in its place of origin. The old stems are cylindrical and lignified, and the new stems are fleshy and have no leaves. The green ones are actually stems. , has excellent branching properties and can be formed naturally without topping and pruning, but its uprightness is relatively poor. It is best to use a stand for upright potted plants. It is thornless and is very suitable for home planting. It is an excellent indoor ornamental green plant.
Beautiful flowers and leaves
The ornamental value of small-leaf epiphyllum is also very high. First of all, the tree shape is very beautiful, with many side branches. The plant shape is compact and round. When hung, it looks like a flower waterfall. It is green and shiny, all year round. This state is full of life, followed by flowers, which are very similar to epiphyllums. They are one size smaller, white and flawless, fresh and elegant, and are known as the "Beauty under the Moon".
Overflowing with fragrance
In addition to being beautiful, epiphyllum epiphyllum is also an aromatic plant. The flowers will release a fragrance during the opening process. It is a very natural fragrance, not strong nor light, just right. Even in a closed room, you will not feel choked. People, it’s just right. In addition to enjoying flowers, it can also freshen and purify the air. It is said that this fragrance can attract bees and other insects in the wild to collect nectar, thereby achieving the purpose of pollination.
Loves to bloom
In terms of flowering, if you ask any friend who has raised Epiphyllum microphylla, they will tell you that it is definitely a "flowering machine" - the natural flowering period is from late spring to autumn. , it will bloom repeatedly during this period, one after another. In northern my country, if you move it indoors with heating in winter and put it in a place exposed to the sun, it will bloom more brilliantly than in spring. It is simply a favorite of northern flower lovers. "Flower plants" can be said to be in bloom all year round as long as they are properly maintained.
2. Suggestions for planting small-leaf epiphyllum
A very sturdy plant
Small-leaf epiphyllum is a cactus, so its vitality is very tenacious, but it comes from the tropical rain forest, and it is somewhat different from other cacti. Its basic characteristics are that it likes light and can tolerate semi-shade. , drought-tolerant, but it’s okay if you water it generously. There is no obvious dormancy period. As for its shortcomings, it is probably not cold-tolerant.Here are some planting suggestions:
Soil: I like loose, fertile, and well-permeable soil, such as humus soil, peat soil, and common special soil for flower cultivation. If you want to use vegetable garden soil, it is recommended to add at least 30 % of particles to increase breathability;
suitable environment: Small-leaf epiphyllum doesn't like to be exposed to the sun, and scattered light is enough. It is relatively shade-tolerant, even on a north balcony or a closed balcony with little light. Of course, the south balcony is best;
Watering: follow the "see dryness" The principle of "seeing moisture" is enough. Watering about once a week in spring and autumn, more frequently in summer, and less frequently in winter You can water it once every half a month after the temperature is warm, and keep the pot soil dry properly;
Fertilization: Because Epiphyllum microphylla loves to bloom very much, and will bloom for you if you don’t pay attention, so it is best to give some flower-promoting fertilizer frequently and apply thin fertilizer frequently. (Except winter);
degree summer and winter: very heat-resistant, as long as it is not After being exposed to the sun, it is easy to spend the summer in a cool and ventilated place; the cold resistance is very weak, and the overwintering temperature is recommended to be above 6 degrees. If it is lower than 6 degrees, it must be moved indoors. It cannot survive the winter outdoors in the north;
reproduction: more Use cuttings, take semi-mature stems, insert them into water or cultivate soil to take root, just like crab claw orchid.
Excellent indoor potted flowers
Summary: Epiphyllum epiphyllum has not been in the country for a long time. It used to be an "expensive commodity" and was expensive but not marketable. With the vigorous expansion of domestic florists, the price has dropped, and now it is These are high-quality and low-priced potted flowers. Flower lovers who still have room on their balcony can try them.
