How about learning to grow and care for the Orchid cactus? Because in the end, you will have every reason to cherish the beautiful blossoms!
Epiphyllum species are normally referred to as “ Orchid Cacti ” because of their bright and colorful heyday that resemble tropical orchids . Unlike desert cacti , these grow on trees and not on the ground . Fascinating , correct ? Let ’s check out how to farm Orchid cactus in your home plate .
Orchid Cactus-Key Facts
Orchid Cactus Information
The Orchid cactus is a group of Epiphyllum species . It is a genus that holds more than 15 tropical succulents and many are hybrids of interesting shapes , size , and colorful bloomers . Usually , they feature long , bland , non - spiny , and trail root . Along with this , the center of attractor lie in their burnished , large , fragrant , and night - blossom flowers in the outflow or summertime .
This is why it get the name “ Orchid cactus ” . Also since their growing condition are very similar to orchids they ’ve earned the claim for themselves . In the wild , these mostly epiphytic plants grow on branch or trunk of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . They absorb themoisture and nutrientsthey need from the humid environment around them .
Propagating Orchid Cactus
Stem Cuttings
The degraded and most efficacious way of propagate these industrial plant is by bow cuttings . Just choose healthy bow incision that are at least 6 - 8 inches in length because if it is n’t long enough then it will take longer to flower . Allow the cut terminate to dry and shape a callus . This helps to keep rotting . Then prepare a succulent pot commixture and enclose the cuttings about 2 inches deep into the grunge .
Just keep the soil lightly moist and when it set out to seem ironical , make it moist again . Regular deep lacrimation should only be done after the roots have form . It takes around 6 weeks for the cutting to root . Place it in a warm , part shaded location for good results .
Pot Size
When spread Orchid cacti , diminished pots are idealistic for single - stem film editing as they allow the plant to focus on antecedent development . If you want a fuller look , you may plant 3 - 4 cuttings together in a broad - mouth pot .
Once the plant matures and starts trailing , you’re able to move it to a larger hanging field goal or a big pot . Keep in mind that it can take 1 - 2 year of solitaire for the plant to grow big enough to blossom .
Orchid Cactus Requirements
1. Light
In its native home ground , it grow under the dappled sunlight in the forest cling to the bark which intend that it wo n’t thrive well in direct sunshine . So , grow it in brilliant unaccented conditions but quash picture to direct sun , especially during the hot part of the day .
If you ’re growing them near a windowsill or in a well - lit indoor outer space , that ’s usually enough . However , if the natural light is n’t sufficient , you could affix it with agrow light or other alternatives .
2. Water
Do not be in a dilemma by figure the word cactus in its name because Orchid cacti love water ! They do not wish to dry out out completely so , make a balanced routine of water every 3 - 4 days in the springtime - summer time of year and less frequently in the wintertime to prevent overwatering .
However , if you live on in a humid region then you may leave them without water for 5 - 6 days and check the moisture before watering again . Because overwatering may harm these plant as well .
3. Soil
As the name has Orchid in it , this cactus also tends to like a medium that has dried tree barque , coconut meat chunks , or any orchid potting potpourri . you could directly purchase an orchid potting admixture , or you could make your own .
apply just 1 part of an constitutive mix , like perlite , pebble , or fir barque , and 3 parts of potting soil . Since they can last off leaf mold and prefer to always be a bit moister than orchidaceous plant , add a little moss to your potting mix .
4. Temperature
Orchid cacti enjoy the temperature that resemble a cooler indoor environment which is why they are great as houseplants . In fact , they also bear fluctuating temperatures so you’re able to freely place them on windowsill . The approximate range of temperature they prefer is from 65 ° C to 75 ° F ( 18 ° cytosine to 24 ° century ) .
However , they struggle if the Nox temperature drops below 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) . So keep a check and endeavor to keep a dependable temperature reach inside your home .
Orchid Cactus Care
1. Fertilizer
The winner of growing an Orchid Cactus depends on its right fecundation . So , during the growing season , a balanced liquified plant food diluted to half - intensity level can be applied every two weeks . However , if your cactus produces many blooming during this period , you’re able to increase the frequency of fertilizing but only apply the fertilizer at half military capability .
While fertilise , it is authoritative to water your plant good before and after fertilizing to flush out any excess salt human body - up in the soil .
2. Pruning
Once all the flowers have fallen off , it ’s a good prison term to trim off any dead leaves , yellow leaves , or leave alone that just look dead . If there are capable spaces in your potting grease , cut back longer leaves back and implant them into the grime .
However , before you begin cutting , verify the shears are sterilized with alcohol or a blanching agent solution . This is the safest way to keep your cactus from develop infection and micro-organism infestations .
3. Pest and Diseases
pestilence like snails , mealybugs , aphids , gnat , and wanderer mites can give Orchid cacti a hard time . Snails are the big troubler — they love the moisture near the groundwork and often climb up up to snack on bloom buds , sometimes invite emmet to the party too !
you may use hanging baskets to keep escargot away . Regularly check for sticky residual , webbing , or tiny bugs . At the first star sign of trouble , treat with neem petroleum spray or insecticidal soap . keep open your plant and its space fresh is like a shell against pest — bar is always better than therapeutic !
That ’s it and you are all quick to welcome some beautiful Orchid cacti into your rest home ! have us know which one is your favorite and when are you bringing one home .
