An epiphyllum or leaf cactus is easy to propagate yourself. There are two methods you can use to grow offshoots from your epiphyllum: by seed or by cuttings. This is how the propagation of leaf cacti works.
The leaf cactus is best propagated by cuttings
Two methods of propagating Epiphyllum
To propagate Epiphyllum, you can sow seeds or cut cuttings.
Propagation from 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.
Sowing seeds requires a lot of patience. Depending on the variety, many weeks can pass before germination. If you multiply Epiphyllum from cuttings, the cultivation is much faster.
Sow Epiphyllum
Sowing takes place in spring, as that is when the long days begin and it is light longer. Sow the seed on Kokohum or coconut swelling tablets. It must not be covered, since Epiphyllum germinates in the light. Gently spray the seed with water.
A greenhouse is best suited for sowing because you can keep the humidity constant in it.
Place the seed pots (€16.68) or greenhouse in a warm, bright spot. However, they should not be placed in direct sunlight.
Propagate Epiphyllum from cuttings
- Take cuttings in spring or summer
- about 15 cm in length
- Allow the interface to dry for a long time
- Put cuttings in prepared pots
- moisten something
- set up warm and bright
Choose healthy shoots for cuttings. Prepare growing pots with loose growing soil that must not be too nutritious.
Insert the cuttings about three to four centimeters deep into the substrate. You can grow several shoots in one pot. The soil must be kept evenly moist, but never get too wet. Put the pots in a light and warm place. However, the shoots do not tolerate direct sun.
Once the cuttings are rooted, continue tending the epiphylls as you would adult plants.
tips
If the Epiphyllum does not bloom, it is often because the plant was not allowed to hibernate sufficiently. Leaf cacti only flower when they are more than five years old.