2023-10-25 16:02:05
Origin and characteristics of Moses’ Cradle (epiphyllum oxypetalum)
Cradle of Moses. Source: spm
We can already guess that you are intrigued by this surprising and unusual name, right? In fact, it refers to its rather singular growth pattern which is quite similar to a baby in its cradle. Although this plant is native to Central and South America, today it is cultivated throughout the world. And for good reason, its eye-catching appearance and ease of maintenance have ended up seducing all houseplant enthusiasts, but also gardeners and landscapers.
Indeed, Moses’ Cradle (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) can thrive in a wide variety of soil types, resistant to both drought and rain. As a bonus, it is simple to reproduce. And that’s not all, this plant is even sacred in various cultures, notably Indian. It even has a symbolism according to Feng Shui philosophy: its flowering embodies beauty, purity, love and peace. All the more reason to welcome him home!
How to maintain and make your Moses Cradle flower?
Water the plants. Source: spm
Widely appreciated both outdoors and indoors, Moses’ Cradle is often grown in baskets or hanging pots. Its fantastic foliage and attractive white flowers offer a lush touch to any environment. How to take care of your Moses Cradle so that it rewards you with spectacular flowering? Follow our advice.
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Choose a bright space, but not in direct sunlight
This plant will live very happily if you place it in a place where there is plenty of light, but without receiving direct UV rays from the sun. Warning: strong exposure to the sun risks burning its leaves. On the other hand, if you want to install your Moses Cradle in a poorly lit space, it will be able to survive, but it will be more difficult for it to flower.
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Be careful with watering, don’t overdo it!
This plant likes to be watered twice a week. Above all, remember that the soil must remain moist, but never too wet. In spring and summer, you can water it up to three times a week, while in winter, you will need to reduce the frequency of watering. Also be careful of excess humidity which can harm your plant.
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Be sure to enrich the soil
Are you wondering what is the ideal substrate to feed Moses’ Cradle? It’s not complicated: opt for a combination of prepared potting soil, peat moss (organic matter), bark and coarse-grained sand. This mixture is perfect for providing a good degree of acidity to your soil and thus allowing good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
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Choose a pot with good water outlet
Get a well-draining pot with holes so the water can drain properly. If possible, it would be best to opt for a wide and somewhat deep plate. The good news is that you don’t need to change the pot frequently. You may be able to replace it once a year as it grows, if at all.
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Choose a warm place
As it is a plant of tropical origin, remember that it prefers to flourish in an environment where the temperature is between 15 and 25°C. In other words, if you live in a region with a cold or very cold climate, it would be preferable to keep your Moses Cradle inside the house, in a relatively warm space where the minimum temperature is around 15°C.
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Fertilize your Moses Cradle to boost its growth and flowering
Ideally, we advise you to add a good quantity of fertilizer at the beginning of spring or summer, because this is when the plant requires a maximum of nutrients. But don’t be too heavy-handed: excess fertilization might have the opposite effect and prevent flowering.
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Constantly clean its leaves
This is a gesture that should not be neglected: regular cleaning of the leaves will help the Cradle of Moses to carry out its photosynthesis process correctly and, as a result, it will grow healthier and you will benefit more from its beautiful flowering.
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Prune it so that its foliage is more vigorous
From time to time, do not hesitate to prune your plant by removing leaves that are yellowing or with brown tips. So use your hedge shears (well disinfected with alcohol!) to cut regarding 2 cm from the root.
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Help him grow healthily and flourish
Note that Moses’ Cradle can live for many years if it grows in good conditions. So, when it is healthy and flourishing, its leaves should measure between 12 and 65 cm long and 3 cm wide. As long as you don’t neglect it, it will bloom profusely between spring and summer. If you pamper it properly, its flowers can even last much longer than those of other plants.
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Watch its roots carefully to proceed with a possible transplant
As we said above, you can only change its pot once a year. However, if you notice that its roots are starting to become fibrous and its soil is settling, then it is time to transplant the plant. But act with great caution, because its roots are really delicate, so you have to avoid damaging them. Another indicator sign? Replace the pot if you notice abnormal growth of small flowers or the tips of the leaves turn pale green.
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You can propagate your plant using rhizomes
The big advantage of this plant is that its reproduction is very simple to achieve. The best way to reproduce a Moses Cradle is to use rhizomes: these are stems that grow underground within the plant, developing their own roots. To identify them, you must remove the plant from its pot and carefully remove all the soil. This will allow you to clearly observe all of its roots so that you can separate the rhizomes. A word of advice: it is best to carry out this procedure with adult specimens and once they have finished flowering.
What are common problems and their solutions?
Is your Moses Cradle not flowering?
Oh yes, we understand you, it must be particularly frustrating not to be able to enjoy its spectacular flowering. The problem arises probably from a lack of sun. If you want to admire its beautiful white flowers, you must necessarily grow your plant in bright, indirect light, as already mentioned above, throughout the year.
Do the leaves reveal brown tips?
Ouch, dry air is probably the culprit. Rest assured, you can solve this problem in no time: simply increase the humidity level by spraying the foliage daily with lukewarm water or by using a cool mist room humidifier. If you wish, you can even place your pot on a tray of damp pebbles, to increase the humidity level in the area.
Does your Moses cradle seem too cluttered?
If you feel that the plant is starting to suffocate in its pot, during the spring, move to a larger container (only one size) to give it a little more space to grow more peacefully. Remember to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent the soil from getting soggy, otherwise it may lead to root rot.
Where to buy a Moses Cradle?
This plant is generally on sale in garden centers and certain florists from spring and throughout the summer.
When does Moses’ Cradle flower?
Beautifully ornamental, if this plant is so popular, it is surely for the aesthetics of its fragrant white flowers which closely resemble calla lilies. And, in fact, to fully enjoy this visual spectacle, you should know that the Cradle of Moses blooms from March to September.
However, with proper care, it is possible to enjoy them all year round while keeping these magnificent flowers healthy.
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