Caring for cactus epiphyllum at home
In 1812, the famous English botanist Adrian Haworth described the epiphyllum (Latin Epiphyllum). More than 200 years have passed, and the plant, noticed by an Englishman, adorns the windowsills of flower growers. A luxurious flower with branching stems has become an attribute of a happy family hearth.
What is the epiphyllum cactus
The name Epiphyllum is associated with the appearance of the plant. “Φυλλον” means “leaf,” and “επι” means at the top. The representative of the genus of cacti has more than 20 varieties. Sometimes the flower is called phyllocereus or phyllocactus. His homeland is Latin America, where the cactus is found growing in its natural environment. In our latitudes, it lives in well-lit spaces of rooms.
Epiphyllum of various types is distinguished by color patterns
Popular types of epiphyllum include:
- Epiphyllum laui Kimnach;
- Epiphyllum oxypetalum;
- Epiphyllum thomasianum;
- Epiphyllum anguliger;
- Epiphyllum crenatum;
- Epiphyllum hookeri;
- Epiphyllum phyllanthus.
The names are associated with the characteristic features of the flower and the history of the discovery of individual species.
The Mexican flower prefers diffused light. In the shade or in direct sunlight, it will bloom worse. An excellent place for planting a plant is the window sill of a window facing the west or east side. In the summertime, take the cactus out into the fresh air.
Caring for epiphyllum at home does not require a lot of effort and time. To make the plant feel comfortable, you need:
- Water it abundantly in the spring and summer. The soil in the pot should always be moist. For watering, use slightly cool settled water. In the winter months, the frequency of watering depends on the conditions: the lower the air temperature, the less moisture the flower needs. When wintering a cactus in a cold room, stop watering completely.
- In the heat, moisten the leaves with a spray bottle.
- Observe the temperature regime: in summer and spring 20-25 ° C, in the cold period – 10-15 ° C.
- Feed the cactus every 2 weeks. As a fertilizer, mullein diluted in water and nutritional mixtures for cacti are suitable.
When planting a plant, keep in mind that it loves fertile soil. It is better to purchase a special soil for cacti. If you harvest the land yourself, make sure that its acidity is approximately pH 5-6.
Paying a little attention to a cactus, you will receive amazingly beautiful flowers on your windowsill in gratitude from it.