How to Propagate Epiphyllums from Cuttings: A Comprehensive Guide

ByVictoria Arias
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Have you ever wanted to create your own beautiful epiphyllum queens but weren’t sure where to start? Look no further! Propagating epiphyllums from cuttings is a simple and rewarding process that can lead to a multitude of new plants to brighten up your living space.

Before we delve into the propagation process, it’s essential to understand some key information about epiphyllums and their common names. While the botanical world can be confusing at times, it’s crucial for us indoor gardeners to be on the same page. Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as the queen of the night, is a forest cactus species that we will focus on in this article.

One common confusion arises from another species, such as Cereus repandus or C. peruvianus, which is often referred to as the “night-blooming cereus” and “queen of the night.” These two plants have similar-looking blooms but differ in their growth habitats – epiphyllums are epiphytes in humid forests, while the other cactus is a terrestrial plant in arid deserts.

To begin propagating epiphyllums, follow these steps carefully:

How to Propagate Epiphyllums from Cuttings

  1. Gather Your Supplies
  2. Epiphyllum cuttings (6-9 inches long)
  3. Suitable growing medium (e.g., Tank’s Pro Cactus and Succulent Mix)
  4. Nursery pots (4 inches)
  5. Scissors, hydrogen peroxide, rooting hormone (optional)

Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to move on to the next steps.

  1. Take Cuttings
  2. Select healthy stems with viable areoles from last year’s growth.
  3. Trim the cutting to encourage basal growth.

  4. Apply rooting hormone if desired.

  5. Let Cuttings Heal

  6. Place the cuttings on a flat surface in a cool, dark location for 10 days.

  7. Apply rooting hormone to aid in the healing process.

  8. Plant Cuttings

  9. Plant the cuttings in nursery pots with three to four areoles below the soil surface.

  10. Use the growing medium to secure the stem in an upright position.

  11. Wait Before Watering

  12. Refrain from watering the newly planted cuttings for two weeks.
  13. Mist the cuttings daily if needed to keep them hydrated.

Once the cuttings have rooted and started to grow, you can begin regular watering and care for your new epiphyllum plants. Remember to provide indirect bright light and maintain temperatures above 65°F for optimal growth.

Experiment with different propagation methods, such as rooting multiple cuttings in a larger pot or using water instead of growing medium. Share your experiences in the comments below to help fellow plant enthusiasts learn from your success stories.

Propagating epiphyllums can be a fun and educational experience that will allow you to expand your plant collection and create a thriving indoor garden. Enjoy the process and watch as your new epiphyllum queens flourish in your home!

For more tips on caring for cacti and succulents, check out our other articles:
– How to Propagate Christmas Cactus from Cuttings
– How to Grow Your Own Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
– 35 of the Best Hanging and Trailing Succulents and Cacti

Remember, patience is key when propagating plants, so take your time and enjoy the journey of watching your epiphyllums grow and thrive. Happy gardening!

The information and steps provided in this guide will help you successfully propagate epiphyllums from cuttings. Enjoy the process, and feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.

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