Potting Instructions

Culture:

Epiphyllums can be grown almost anywhere; under a tree, in a lath house or porch, or near a sunny window indoors. Many collectors keep their plants outdoors at least part of the year, during the warm weather. Growing methods will vary with different geographical & enviromental conditions, but basically, they like filtered sunlight, humidity, free air movement & good drainage. They must be protected from freezing temperatures.

Potting Mix and Fertilizer:

It seems there are as many potting mix formulas as there are growers. The consensus is, if you have found one that works for you. stay with it. Mar-Low Epi House recommends a mixture of 2 parts potting soil to 1 part each of perlite and peat moss. However, there are now at nurseries many excellent potting mixes that elimnate the need for mixing your own. we suggest adding bone meal to the package mix for good root growth. The addition of perlite (sponge rock)and fir bark will assure a loose mix that will drain well. For feeding young growing plants, we use liquied fish, but any good well balanced fertilizer will work if you follow the instructions on the label.

Pot Size:

We use green or white plastic containers, primarily because they require less watering and epiphyllums do well in them. Plastic pots offer further advantages in that they are inexpensive, light weight, durable, easily cleaned and available in a variety of sizes. They can be reused by washing in water containing houselold bleach. A 3" or 4" pot is sufficient to start a cutting or a small plant. It can be moved up to the next sized pot the following year. We recommend putting two plants of the same name and variety in no larger than an 8" or 10" pot. For minaitures, use either a 6" or 8" pot.

Potting:

Rooted cuttings: Hold the stem in position in the pot with one hand while filling in around it with dry potting mix with the other. Tap the pot several times to settle the mix. Do not press down on the roots. Withhold water the first week as some of the roots may have been damaged and will rot if they get wet before healing. The second week, start watering sparingly. If the mix is sufficiently porous, the water will drain through, leaving the mix damp.

Unrooted cuttings: These can be rooted in the same mix as rooted cuttings. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, like Rooton, and insert it in a dry mix to a depth of 1". It is important that an areole on each side is covered because the best new growth comes from below the soil line. Withhold water thefirst week, spray therafter until the roots are established. If a cutting should rot at the base, cut off the damged tissue, making sure the center core is clean, and start over as before after allowing the cutting to dry in a cool place for several days. Unrooted cutting will survive long periods unplanted, but it is to their advantage to plant them as soon as possible. Cuttings can be started at any time, but will root faster in warmer temperatures.

Watering:

Keep slightly moist but do not overwater. A light misting when the soil drys may well be all that your epiphyllum requires.