Epiphyllum oxypetalum is the scientific name for an unusual cactus that is more unremarkably known by easier - to - pronounce name such as ' dark blooming cereus ' or ' queen of the nighttime ' because the bloom appear in the eve and are wilted by the next day .
Although the orchid cactus oxypetalum ’s flat , steel - shaped leave of absence may not be anything to write home about , the blooms can sometimes get across the full plant and are striking . This unusual cactus is easy to start from a cutting in early spring , when the Epiphyllum Oxypetalum is coming out of its dormant period .
Step 1
Use a clean tongue with a penetrating vane , and cut a 4 to 6 - inch cutting from a orchid cactus oxypetalum . Make the cut of meat at an angle , which will remind you which end of the cutting should be engraft , and which end should be allow for above the territory .
Step 2
Put the epiphyllum oxypetalum cutting in a tender , ironic post until the cut boundary forms a callus . This can take up to two weeks , depending on the size of it of the cut control surface . Do n’t worry if the cutting looks a bit shriveled , because it will re - hydrate once it ’s planted . Cacti are susceptible to rot , and this crucial step will minimize the chances of that .
Step 3
take a small planting container with commercial-grade cactus potting mixture . Any planting container with drain holes in the bottom will work .
Step 4
Dampen the pot potpourri softly with a nebulizer feeding bottle , and plant the epiphyllum oxypetalum carving . Tamp the potting mix around the cutting to remove breeze bubble . The slip can be plant up to half of its duration . If the cutting is prospicient , put a stakes in the potting mix and draw the cutting broadly to the stake with flaccid twine or a strip show of soft fabric .
Step 5
Put the epiphyllum oxypetalum cut in a tender room . Although the cutting will root in nerveless temperatures , it will settle down quickly in temperature of at least 80 degrees F. The cutting should be in bright light , but do n’t put it in a windowpane , or anywhere that it will be in hot , verbatim sunlight .
Step 6
Resist the enticement to water the orchid cactus oxypetalum switch off until the soil is bone dry . This can take a few days , or up to several weeks , depending on the heating plant in the room , the clock time of year , the size of the pot and the humidity in the melody . Water the industrial plant sparingly , just enough to moisten the soil .
Step 7
prey the epiphyllum oxypetalum a monthly dose of all - role water system soluble fertilizer during the growing season . Withhold plant food in fall and winter .
