Question
Hi,

My Epiphyllum oxypetalum experiences several bud drop. The
buds turned yellow and dropped off. I water it daily in the
morning and occasionally mist it in the hot afternoon. I
also fed it organic fertiliser once a week.

May I know what's the possible cause of the bud drop and how
do I remedy it? ( I'm from an equatorial country)

Rgds


Answer
Hi Alfredo,
    There are 2 things you mention in your question that stands out to me as being the probable causes of the bud drop (and could also cause excessive leaf drop) you are experiencing.

The first is you are very likely overwatering the plant.
As a general rule for watering most houseplants, allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering then water just enough for a small amount of water to drain out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. However this plant is a succulent, and like other succulents, it requires little watering.
Water the plant thoroughly, but not soggy. Wait until the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil to dry before watering again.
This watering schedule is for during the growing months of spring and summer. Water your oxypetalum sparingly and lightly during the winter months (Some growers have even reported success withholding water during the winter months when the plant is dormant).

The second is you are probably over-fertilizing.
Fertilizer should only be given to healthy plants that are actively growing. Never give fertilizer to a plant while it is dormant or to an unhealthy plant. Fertilizer will not ' cure' an unhealthy plant and will actually cause more harm. Only fertilize a plant when it needs it. A good sign a plant needs fertilizer is little or no new growth during the plant's active growing cycle. Any well balanced fertilizer is OK. I recommend using 1/3 of the amount called for in the directions on the package. Liquid fertilizers are best. Dilute 1 part liquid fertilizer to 2 parts distilled water. During the active growth cycle, the spring and summer months, fertilize the plant every 2-4 weeks (4 weeks is preferable). During the winter months (when the plant is dormant) fertilizer should be given, very lightly, about every 6-8 weeks. Although a lot of plants prefer no fertilizer at all while they are in a dormant cycle.
Also be sure to never fertilize a plant when the soil is dry. This could cause the plant to take up too much fertilizer at once.

Here are also a couple of tips on encouraging blooms;

Lower the temperature for epiphyllum oxypetalum during the low-light months of fall and winter. More blooms will be produced if the plant has a chill period. Try for a temperature between 50 to 60 degrees.

Leave a contented epiphyllum in its pot. They tend to bloom better when slightly pot-bound. Some light pruning can be done after blooming is finished.


I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
     Thanks
       Tracy