Hello DavesGarden users. I own 3 'Epi' plants that are growing in regular potting soil. From chatting with other 'Epi' enthusiasts the soil medium that I'm using isn't correct. Can anyone inform me of the correct type of soil medium to use on Epiphyllum plants?
Thank you!!
Barry Sewall
Barry, I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for. There are many types of epiphyllums, are you referring to the orchid cactus? If so, you may want to check out that forum for more detailed information. Without knowing specifically which plant you are talking about, I'm afraid I can't help. Maybe someone else will check in here soon that can give you some info. Hang in there...help will come.
Yokwe,
Shari
Can't help Barry, but wanted to say aloha...
Your Christmas cactus in the background is really pretty.
Jen
I grow mine in lots of large chunks of orchid bark, perlite, gravel...and give them lots of water (they live outside on the trees with about 130" of rain annually. The drainage is the important thing!!!
However...your plants look very healthy and happy...which makes me wonder why you want to fix it if it ain't broke!!! LOL
My Epiphyllums are as follows, the photo I posted on DG is the oxypetalum "Night Blooming Cereus".... Thetwo other Epi's at my Mothers house are "Gonways Giant" and a hybrid called Aporophllum 'Edna Bellamy'.
According to when I planted them, I used just regular potting soil that does have a little Perlite, small bark, and just soil. Will add a photo of the potting medium that I used.
If anyone else can give me some helpful hints, that would be great~!!
Close up of the soil I used.
I tend to agree with AlohaHoya and Chrissy - if its working for you - fine! If they start acting a little distressed you may want to put some bark or coco chips in the soil - something to keep them from "sitting" in the wet. They love lots of water, but don't want to sit in it. Hope this helps.
Yokwe,
Shari
Yesterday I cut a leaf off of one of my Epiphyllum plants so that I can start another plant but since its my first time doing this how long do I need to keep this cutting unplanted after adding rooting hormone to the sliced leaf?
Please let me know....
Barrysewall
Barry, I've never done it like that, so I'm sure someone will pop in soon to answer you. Just didn't want you thinkin that we were ignoring your question.
Yokwe,
Shari
Let the cutting callous for about 7 to 10 days. The cut surface will harden up, making a barricade against rot. After callousing, stick it in your new pot/soil and don't water it until you see a sign of new growth (at the top) or roots appear.
To address your first question about soil composition, most Epi's prefer a soil with a fairly high organic content, unlike alot of other cacti. As someone else mentioned above, a fairly quick draining medium is a must, also. My Epi's are potted in a mixture of good Potting Soil and Perlite (not the big chunk) at a ratio of 1/1, to which has been added 1 cup of Dolomitic Limestone or 1 1/2 cups Agricultural Limestone per gallon of soil. Epi's like a nuetral or slightly base pH and the limestone will help with this while also adding Calcium and Magnesium to the soil, both of which are required.
Hope this helps -- Ed.
I have several epis and I would just stick it in the dirt... As is. In response to the propagation. I have one that is 30 yrs. old. It was my great grandmas!!! I just planted mine in regular potting soil. It does great!! Neglect it in the winter months. I watered mine twice since Oct. Just an FYI from me. Thanks
