The Epie House 
                                                                                                                         

                                                 Epiphyllum Planting and Care
 
Potting mix
    The potting soil should be a light mix. The recommended potting mix is one-third commercial potting mix , one-third perlite, and one-third
1/8 inch orchid bark. Water should run through this loose mix in a few seconds.
The main thing is that it be loose, fast draining, and does not compact. You can use prepackaged succulent potting mix or cacti mix.
 
Cuttings
   New cuttings should lay out to dry in a cool place, for one week before planting. This allows the cutting to callous over which helps to avoid root rot.
The name is written on the cutting from bottom to top. 
Plant the cutting in a 4-inch or larger pot if planting more than 1 cutting, plant 2 inches deep into the potting mix, with two or three areoles below
the soil line. Do not compress the mix. The potting mix should be slightly damp (but never soggy) when you plant  the new cutting. If necessary,
tie the cutting loosely to a stake for support.
With hold water for about 2 weeks or untill you see new growth and then begin watering gradually.
 
Rooted plants
  Should be planted right a way in a 6 inch pot and giving a drink, then water in about 5 day wait a few weeks before feeding them.
Water
Water the epis at least once a week, or when needed. epipyhllum go dormant in December and January and will require less water.
In March we start feeding the plants a week  mix of fertilizer
Drainage is extremely important. Excess water must drain away at once.
Keep roots moist but not soggy.
 
Light
    Epiphyllums prefer morning sun, but never direct noonday or afternoon sun. They can grow under lath, shade cloth, trees, balconies, or indoors
near a window.

Feeding
  After cuttings are rooted you can start feeding them, void high nitrogen fertilizer. Use balanced plant food, we use a 2-7-7, at least once a month.
In November and early spring we start using a bloom boster to new growth and stimulate budding. Do not fertilize in December and January.

Pest Control
   Watch for snails, scale, mealy bugs, root mealy bugs and aphids. Control as needed to insure healthy plants.we use Safer soap on our plants
and new potted cuttings, a spray bottle of soapy water will help get rig of mealy bugs and aphids.
 
Plant ID
   Put a waterproof tag in the pot with each cutting so you'll know its name years from now. It is also common to write the name on a branch
with a permanent marker. you can also bury a marker in the bottom of the pot so you will always know where to find a name even if you have lost the
other tags or the name as faded over the years. Hang tags work well too, but get knock off and lost, so the more you have away to ID your plant the better
off you are

 You can print the care sheet out so you can refer back to it


This is only guide to help you start growing Epiphyllums. You will find ways to grow them that works for you as you go along. You will find many different ways on the Internet on how to grow Epiphyllum, so that in the long run you will find what works best for your growing conditions.