Native to Central America, the cactus orchid, also known as “Epicactus,” produces beautiful, fragrant, bicolor flowers that usually open at night and bloom for a few days. This houseplant is not fussy and is usually grown in pots or greenhouses. During the flowering period, weekly watering is necessary; during the winter, simply remember to keep the substrate slightly moist.
In this article, we’ll look at four different ways to grow it from cuttings. These are sections of a stem or leaf used to grow a new plant. You can buy them at a nursery, or if you have this plant at home, cut a leaf about ten centimeters long. The best time to cut it is immediately after flowering. It’s important to carefully cut the stems below the base of the leaf to avoid damaging them.
Once you have the cuttings, let them dry for about 5 to 7 days. Find out now how to plant them to propagate orchids.
Also read: How to properly water a strawberry tree? The step-by-step guide
- River sand
First, you’ll need a plastic container (or bottle) and some river sand. Drill a few small holes in the base of the container for drainage. Place the sand in a colander and rinse it under running water to remove any debris and moisten it. Pour the sand into the plastic container and place the orchid leaf inside. Plant the base of the leaf and add sand to support it. The leaf will then be ready to root. - Water
orchid cactus
For this method, use a plastic cup and tap water, which you should let sit for at least a day to remove the chlorine. Pour two glasses of water into the cup, place the leaf in it, and leave it in a secluded spot. It is important to spray it with water once a day to hydrate the leaf.
- Moistened cotton
wadding
You will need a cotton ball or paper towel and a container filled with water. Soak the cotton ball in water. Remove it and squeeze it between your palms to remove excess water. Place the leaf side down on the cotton ball. Fold it in half, then fold the sides inward. Place it in a plastic cup without water so that it can stand upright.
- The pot
Prepare a mixture of one-third plant substrate and coconut fiber, one-third river sand, and one-third marbles. Place all of these ingredients in a container and mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Pour some river sand into a pot and add the soil you just prepared. Make a cut in the center of the soil to insert the leaf. Add a little more soil until the leaf is half buried.
Finally, place the pot on top of another container so that excess water can drain away when watering.
General instructions
orchid cactus
The leaf must be perfectly positioned so that the direction of growth is upwards. You will know this by carefully observing where the stems are pointing.
The crops should be placed in a place with sufficient light, but without direct sunlight.
Also read: How to propagate an orchid endlessly and have beautiful flowers at home? All you need is a plastic bottle.
Water crops only when the soil, sand or cotton is dry.
After about two months, you will notice new flowers appearing .
Also read: How to water a poinsettia? Most people don’t know and destroy it before Christmas.