22 BEAHM 
CULTURE OF EPIPHYLLUMS 
Epiphyllums prefer partial shade, that is, conditions suitable 
for ordinary ferns or begonias but must not have excessive 
moisture at their roots. They can withstand cold a degree or 
two below freezing. 
Remember their culture is simple but entirely distinct from 
that of the desert cacti. Lack of this knowledge may have 
caused many failures by those who tried to treat them as 
ordinary cactus. 
A good POTTING SOIL formula is one-half well decom- 
posed leafmold with the other half made up of equal parts of 
coarse gravel, garden loam and well rotted steer manure with 
a small amount of bone meal (about the equivalent of a tea- 
spoonful for each four-inch pot). This can be made up and 
kept ready for use. 
ROOTED CUTTINGS should be planted in SLIGHTLY 
MOIST potting soil. Withhold water for several days or a 
week whenever roots have been disturbed. This applies also 
after repotting. 
Allow an inch or more room between the soil line and the 
top of the pot. This will permit the addition of a little fresh 
potting mixture or light fertilizer each year without disturbing 
the roots nor yet getting the pot too full to permit proper 
watering. 
UNROOTED CUTTINGS should be planted to the depth 
of one inch or more in SLIGHTLY moist peat and sand, half 
and half. Keep in a shady place, if possible, in a moist 
atmosphere. Start light watering after the third week. The 
cuttings may remain for as long as a year in the peat and sand 
without injury. But in any case don’t disturb for the first 6 
months. They do not require excessive root feeding. 
Avoid repotting while in bud. 
Epiphyllum Hybrids (Phyllocactus) fill a definite need in 
all plant collections. Many make wonderful hanging baskets, 
others can be trained in an espalier effect while still others are 
best as simple pot plants. For recommendations see page 21. 
MONTEZUMA 
