We are continually expanding our knowledge base to provide members with information on growing their epis.
Access to most of this information is in the members only area. However we do have a Tips & Trick page which provides useful information and is available to anyone.
Epi Hybrid Care Basics
Provide your epi hybrid with filtered light, good drainage, balanced watering so that they are not wet but do not dry out.
It is as simple as that.
Caring for your epi hybrid is relatively easy. The first thing to remember is almost all hybrids prefer being in a pot.
Quick Over View of what Epi hybrids Require
They like to be root bound more than most plants
They bloom best if they have established root system and are somewhat root bound.
Do not transplant them and expect them to bloom the following year.
They do not like direct sun
They want shade but not complete shade. If they do not have enough sun they will bloom poorly or not at all.
Direct sun will burn them.
They are like people when it comes to temperature
They prefer comfortable temperatures but they will take temperatures below the 40's and above 80's.
Special care is required in hot dry climates.
They will even survive soft freezing (28 to 32 degrees) for a short while.
Fertilizing
They required about 1/2 the fertilizer that most potted plants require.
Your plants will require different Levels of Nitrogen in their fertilizer in the growing season compared to the blooming season.
Soil drainage a must
They do require well draining soil to prevent root rot. They like to get dryer but not dried out between watering.
Over watering them will kill them quicker than under watering.
Growing them
Hang them under a tree or place them in pots around a tree These are always good locations.
Do not have enough trees? Build a shade house or hang them along a patio or the edge of a building.
A little more in-depth look
Light
Epiphyllums prefer partial sun, never direct noon-time sun. They can be grown under a lathe, shade cloth, trees, patios or balconies. In most locations 60% shade is a good place to start and normally provides the correct amount of shade.
If you are growing them in hotter climates they will require more shade protection.
Keep in mind too much shade will allow your plants to grow but they will have fewer blooms or none at all.
If you have mature plants that have few or no blooms move them to a location with a little more sunlight. It is better to error on the side of too much light than too little as light encourages blooms.
Your plants will tell you when you have it correct. Over exposure will cause yellow or sunburned growth. Not enough will result in weak, spindly growth with no sign of a strong mid-rip or they will not flower as they should.
Temperature
Epiphyllums prefer temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees. They will tolerate extreme heat if well-shaded and they receive some misting late in the day.
They will also tolerate colder temperatures. However if the temperature drops below freezing for more than a couple of hours you may lose part of your plant or even the complete plant.
Air Circulation
Epiphyllums have a preference for free air movement but do not tolerate hot or cold winds well.
Keep in mind closer your plants are together the more free air movement is necessary.
Air movement is normally not an issue with epiphyllums are grown under trees or under lath or shade cloth coverings.
Air movement may become a problem when epiphyllums are grown close together, in patios or other partially enclosed areas.
