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Plant Care
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Katie Hanna Lutz
Plant Care Guide
Epiphyllum spp.

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp. )

Climbing Cactusorchid Cactus

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Plant Care by Garden Jewels Nursery. Epis are very easy to grow. They bloom once a year and the flowers last from 1-5 days. They tend to like moist soil, but will survive with minimum care. For best results fertilize on a regular schedule that continues through the growing season. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 for availability or if you have any questions. You can email us at Katie@garden-jewels.com

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

http://www.gardenjewelsnursery.com

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
There are several issues to consider when talking about winter nutrition. For most of you winter is the season to allow your plants to remain dormant and for new growth to mature or “harden-off” Feeding with 0-10-10 or 2-10-10 to encourage blooming can commence as early as February in the most temperate climates. Now, if you have young plants that most likely will not bloom in the spring you can continue to feed them with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions. You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Continue to check your plants weekly – remember Epies like to be moist. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

January
It is important that you continue to groom your plants. If you were diligent when your plants stopped blooming at the end of the growing season, then you can take a well deserved rest. Remember, your epie will let you know which branches need to be removed. Remove all dead plant material by breaking off branches or using clear shears. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

January
Be alert to the weather. You must protect your epies from frost and hail. You can protect your plants by insulating your growing area with the heaviest mill clear plastic you can find. Remember – cold weather is a good thing. It enables your plants to lapse into dormancy which is necessary to produce blooms in the spring. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
If you are insulating your plantings or “winterizing” them, you are also creating an environment for vermin and their friends. These pests will eat or devour tender growth. You may have to use poison bait and or rodent traps. Good Luck. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

January
If you are insulating your plantings or “winterizing” them, you are also creating an environment for vermin and their friends. These pests will eat or devour tender growth. You may have to use poison bait and or rodent traps. Good Luck. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

January
Winter months are the least appropriate for planting cuttings and repotting. You should be able to store any unspotted cuttings in a cool, dark, damp place until warmer weather arrives. If you feel that your plant is suffering from too much water and that the roots might be rotting, then you need to remove the plant from the pot. You then need to completely remove the roots. As long as you keep your epie in a humid environment it will survive out of the pot until planting season. You should store this plant just like you would unrooted cuttings. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?

January
Provide as much light for your epies as possible during the winter months. However, epies do not want direct sunlight. Remember – if you need to cover your plants during a rain – if possible remove this layer as soon as practical to allow more light for your epies. Call Garden Jewels Nursery at 619-987-6251 if you have any questions or You can email us at katie@garden-jewels.com