An epiphyllum or leaf cactus is easy to propagate yourself. There are two methods you can use to grow cuttings from your Epiphyllum: by sowing or cuttings. This is how leaf cacti propagate.
How do I propagate Epiphyllum (leaf cacti)?
To propagate Epiphyllum, you can either sow seeds or cut cuttings. With seeds you need patience and cannot predict flower colors and shapes with certainty, while cuttings grow faster and into identical plants.
Two methods for propagating Epiphyllum
To propagate Epiphyllum, you can sow seeds or cut cuttings.
Propagation via cuttings is easier. It also offers the advantage that identical leaf cacti are grown. When sowing, it is not certain what the flower colors and shapes will look like later.
When you sow seeds, you need to be patient. Depending on the variety, it can take many weeks for germination. If you propagate Epiphyllum from cuttings, the cultivation is much quicker.
Sowing Epiphyllum
The seeds are sown in spring, as that is when the long days begin and there is longer light. Sow the seed on cocohum or coconut seed tablets. It must not be covered because Epiphyllum is a light germinator. Gently spray the seed with water.
An indoor greenhouse (€29.00 on Amazon) is best suited for sowing because you can keep the humidity constant in it.
Place the nursery pots or greenhouse in a warm, bright place. However, they should not be placed directly in the sun.
Propagate Epiphyllum via cuttings
- Cut cuttings in spring or summer
- approx. 15 cm length
- Let the interface dry for a long time
- Place cuttings in prepared pots
- moisten something
- set up warm and bright
Choose he althy shoots for cutting. Prepare growing pots with loose growing soil that should not be too nutritious.
Insert the cuttings approximately three to four centimeters deep into the substrate. You can grow several shoots in one pot. The soil must be kept evenly moist, but should never become too wet. Place the pots in a bright and warm place. However, the shoots cannot tolerate direct sun.
Once the cuttings have rooted, continue to care for the epiphylls like adult plants.
Tip
If the Epiphyllum does not bloom, it is often because the plant was not allowed to have sufficient winter rest. Leaf cacti also only bloom when they are older than five years.
