Native to Central America, the orchid cactus, also called “Epicactus”, produces very beautiful two-colored and fragrant flowers which generally open at night and bloom for a few days. This indoor plant is not demanding and is generally grown in pots or in a greenhouse. During the flowering period, weekly watering is necessary, during winter just 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. Knowing that the best time to cut it is just after flowering. It is important to cut the stems below the base of the leaf, carefully, so as not to damage them.
Once you have the cuttings, let them dry for about 5-7 days. Find out now how to plant them to reproduce the orchid.
1. River Sand
First you will need a plastic container (or bottle) and some river sand. Make a few small holes at the base of the container for drainage. Place the sand in a sieve and rinse it under running water to remove all residue and moisten it. Pour the sand into the plastic container and place the orchid leaf. Plant the base of the leaf and place the sand to support it. The leaf will then be ready to take root.
2. Water
For this method, use a plastic cup and tap water which you must leave for at least a day so that the chlorine is removed. Pour two glasses of water into the cup, place the leaf there and leave it in a secluded place. It is important to spray it with water once a day to hydrate the leaf.
3. Wet Cotton Wool
You will need cotton wool or absorbent paper and a container filled with water. Dip the cotton in the water. Take it out and squeeze it between your palms to remove any excess water. Place the leaf part on the cotton. Fold it in half, then fold the sides inward. Put it in a plastic cup without water, so it can stay upright.
4. The Jar
Prepare a mixture composed of one third plant substrate and coconut fibers, one third river sand and one third potting pearls. Place all these ingredients in a container: stir well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Pour a little river sand into a pot and add the soil you have just made. 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 another container so that excess water can drain when watering.
General Instructions
The leaf must be perfectly positioned so that the direction of growth is upwards. You will know this by looking closely at where the stems are pointing.
Crops should be placed in a location that receives enough light, but not direct exposure to sunlight.
Water crops only when the soil, sand or cotton wool is dry.
After about two months, you will notice new flowers appearing.
