Weta eileen Ave hy Pel P Tiny Lis Ui Me aGeA RD-E'N:S 
CULTURAL INSTRUCTIONS 
All epiphytes, without exception, require a free movement of air. Plants under cultivation in colder climates 
should be placed under lath for at least six weeks (more if possible) for a greater hardiness. During the winter 
months they must be kept above 35° F. 
MAKING CUTTINGS: In California, cuttings may be made at any time. However, they will not root as 
guickly during the cold months unless under glass and with extra heat. A good time to make cuttings is after 
plants have flowered and have been reestablished. The second year’s growth is best since it is mature. Cuttings 
must be allowed to callous in a cool, dry place for three weeks, then plant in regular mixture, or if preferred, 
use a mixture of peatmoss and sand—equal parts. No alarm should be felt if cuttings appear to shrivel some as 
they will root readily when planted—cuttings should not be planted deeper than 114 in. in depth. 
AID IN ROOTING CUTTINGS: Rooting time may be shortened by treating cuttings with HORMODIN 
No. 1. Dip the ends of cuttings in the powder and allow them to callous for one week; then plant in regular 
mixture and start watering in two weeks. Cuttings treated in this manner will make strong root growth and will 
be reestablished sooner. Under proper conditions, the cuttings should be well rooted in a month. 
REGULAR SOIL MIXTURE: 
3 parts well decomposed leaf mould, othewise use part garden loam. 
I part coarse washed sand or decomposed granite. 
I part peat moss. 
1 part well rotted manure. 
14 cup steamed bonemeal to 5 gallons of mixture. 
Note: Soil should be porous at all times. 
WATERING: The amount will depend on weather conditions. Twice a week will suffice except when the 
weather is unusually hot and then it may be necessary to water once a day. A light, overhead spray will not 
injure them even when in bud unless too excessive a force is used. Keep dust washed off plants and it will help 
to keep them healthy. After blooming, the plants generally rest, at which time watering is reduced but at no 
time should the seedlings or larger plants be permitted to become completely dry. 
FERTILIZING: About a month after the plant has flowered and during which time it has rested, the Ept- 
phyllum should be repotted in the regular soil mixture and allowed to become re-established in the new soil. 
Then fertilizing may be resumed every two weeks. A good chemical fertilizer containing phosphate, nitro- 
gen and potash (reading 6-9-6) may be used. Use fertilizer according to directions as overfertilizing may result 
in the dropping of buds. To avoid burning, it is best to apply all fertilizer in liquid form, watering well before 
and after application. These plants thrive in a slightly acid soil and, during latter part of September, a top dress- 
ing of well decomposed manure may be used and discontinue all fertilizer until spring. When the heaviest rains 
are over and there is no more danger of frost, the fertilizing may be resumed every two weeks. If fertilizing is 
extended too late in the fall, the new growth will be forced and there will be greater danger of freezing. Our 
winter months is the natural growing season of the Epiphyllum. 
CONTAINERS: Clay and glazed pots, wooden kegs, or cans may be used. Proper care must be taken so that 
each container has good drainage. 
GRAFTING 
Epiphyllum seedlings, older plants, Zygocactus and other cactus may be grafted on the night-blooming Cereus 
Macdonaldea. They appear to hold up well. They may also be grafted on the flat, spineless variety of Opuntia. 
Have graft stock well rooted; stock and scion must be in good condition. Knife or razor blade used Must Be 
Absolutely Clean. Cut V-shaped notch in graft stock and insert wedve-shaped scion. Force scion slightly be- 
yond V cut thus making sure the parts fit well. Hold parts together with sharp thorn or tooth-pick and if neces- 
sary tie the part evenly and securely in place; strips of cloth are excellent for this. Keep all moisture away 
from wound until well healed. Keep all new growth off the grafting stock. In a short while you will know the 
results. Morning is the best time to graft. 
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