This is my method of preparing, starting and growing Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus), Please remember this is what works for me. It may not be the way others do it but when it works for me, I go for it.
Take cuttings: (best time is between April and September)
I take my cuttings from mature plants. Usually about 5 to 6 inches long and you cut from the base of the leaf at the stem. I then put them in a dry place out of direct light and allow them to cure. This could be anywhere from 7 to 10 days or more.
I use all plastic pots usually 4" for 3 cuttings. I use a pre-mixed potting soil as long as it does not have too much peat moss in it. Rather more perlite than peat moss. I make sure my potting soil is damp. After I plant the cuttings I do not water them until I make sure they have been well rooted. (you pull on the cutting to test that). Only then do I water and then I make sure they are watered until the water runs out the bottom of the pot. You must deep water these plants when you water. If you water while they are in the process of rooting, they may rot. ( If you find your cutting have rotted, cut it off, let it cure again and pot it again). You really need to allow these cuttings to cure to help prevent rot and possible disease as well as helps it absorb more water. Once it has rooted you may move it to a different location but no direct sunlight.
Plant care:
I make sure the soil is one that drains well. You can use your own mix, a cactus mix or regular potting soil as long as their is not too much peat moss in it that holds dampness. You will water depending on your choice of mix. When you do water make it a deep watering and not often. They like medium to dry soil and it is best not to let them dry out completely. This is something you will have to find out yourself and remember drainage is the key. If when you water the water does not immediately flow out the bottom of the pot, your soil needs more drainage materiel added. You will soon know what you need to do once you become aware of your babies health.
I keep my babies in bright windows or bright spot in the greenhouse in the Winter months. Usually about mid April I put them outside in a location where there is morning sun and afternoon shade.That is my Eastern exposure. They are close to the house in a protected area(on or beside the East Deck) where I can water them with a hose when I water. You can put them in a North location but you need to be sure they get some sunlight, not direct or burning. I NEVER put them on the Southern deck because that is full sun all day. Many say they need to have temperatures above 50 deg. I have had them survive 40 deg. at night but they show it. The leaves turn color when they get cold. They will survive if they are not frost bitten or freeze. I usually bring them inside when the temperatures get to 50 at night. I like them to get cold or chilled because they will bloom better if they do.
Your plants may take awhile to bloom because they are still growing into their pots. Once they are pot bound they should begin to bloom. I keep mine in 6 inch pots for years. That is why I suggest you put more than one cutting into a pot. If they do not bloom when pot bound you need to check their location and the nutrients they are getting.
Fertilizing:
It is suggested you fertilize with a time released fertilizer at each watering between May to August. After that every other watering.
Notice I say it is suggested......I am terrible when it comes to fertilizing. I forget or put it off until later. When I fertilize I use two different type. The pellets that are time released and the type you dissolve in water. It just depends what is available when I have time or remember to do it. I do not recommend you follow my methods on this subject.
I should explain that I fertilize ALL TYPES of plants when I do and I just do not take time to pick and choose which plants get what type.
Inspection:
I keep an eye on my baby plants for mealy bug, spider mites and scale as they can suck the life out of your plants. I use Insecticidal soap on the plants.This is not recommended by many because it can harm your plants. You need to be very careful when you use it. It is best to use alcohol solution (1 part alcohol to 3 parts water). Also remove the little mites with a Q tip dipped in alcohol if you have time. When I put them outside, I also use little pellets around the plant that kill anything in the soil when watered. You can purchase both the soap and the pellets at most garden centers.
If you have an infested plant you should keep it away from your other plants because they will spread. This is difficult when you have many plants but it is best.
Also, when you have your plants outside for months, you can be fighting these insects and mites constantly if you have nothing else to do. I find ants will also be in your plants as well as grubs if you have them on the ground outside. I suggest never putting them directly on the ground.
Sometimes you can not see the mites until the plants bloom and they show up on the flowers.
The above is an off the cuff post for those who have ask me what I do. Please feel free to ask me any question you may have. I am far from an expert in growing these wonderful plants but I have lots of experience. As I mentioned before, this is my way and it may not be the best or the proper way but it works for me.
