overwatering and Epiphyllum
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Epiphyllum, the most likely cause is: Orchid cacti store water inside their flattened stems and so give almost no warning when the compost is already wet, which is why experienced growers document that more Epiphyllum are killed by wrong watering and overwatering than by underwatering. Repeated drinks before the mix has dried through keep the stem cells fully turgid, the roots cannot respire, and rot starts at the base long before the leaves visibly wilt.
Start here:
- 1. When in doubt, do not water: let the compost dry right through between drinks rather than sticking to a fixed schedule.
- 2. Water moderately only during the active growing and flowering season, withhold water almost completely during the winter rest, and tip out any water that collects in the saucer.
Why overwatering happens to Epiphyllum
Epiphyllum
Orchid cacti store water inside their flattened stems and so give almost no warning when the compost is already wet, which is why experienced growers document that more Epiphyllum are killed by wrong watering and overwatering than by underwatering. Repeated drinks before the mix has dried through keep the stem cells fully turgid, the roots cannot respire, and rot starts at the base long before the leaves visibly wilt.
How to correct overwatering on Epiphyllum
- 1
When in doubt, do not water: let the compost dry right through between drinks rather than sticking to a fixed schedule.
- 2
Water moderately only during the active growing and flowering season, withhold water almost completely during the winter rest, and tip out any water that collects in the saucer.
- 3
Use a hydrometer, lift the pot to feel its weight, or push a wooden skewer into the compost to confirm moisture at root depth before adding more water.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Epiphyllum
Fix a porous epiphyte-style mix in a freely drained pot, mark the resting season on a calendar, and remember the rule that for orchid cacti underwatering is far less lethal than overwatering.