It’s not necessary to fertilize Christmas cactus, but if you want to, you can use a diluted all-purpose fertilizer.
No, you do not need to fertilize Christmas cactus.
What is the best fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus is a plant that typically blooms around the holidays. To encourage bloom and healthy growth, it is important to feed the plant with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water to 50% strength. In addition, fertilize the plant with a monthly application of a magnesium sulfate solution at a ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 gallon of water, but don’t apply the same week you add the plant food. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy Christmas cactus for many years to come.
When it comes to Christmas cactuses, Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix is the way to go. This potting mix is specifically designed to help these plants thrive. Be sure to water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. You can also help increase humidity around the plant by misting it occasionally. Lastly, from after blooming until fall, feed the plant with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food to help it stay healthy and strong.
When should you fertilize Christmas cactus
Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants.
To get good flower bud production, you need to control the temperature and light the plant receives. Provide bright light, temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and at least 13 hours of continuous darkness each day.
How often should Xmas cactus be watered?
Christmas cacti are easy to take care of and only need to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks. However, only water when the top one third of the soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
If you’re looking for a festive and low-maintenance house plant, the Christmas cactus is a great option! Also known as Schlumbergera, this plant only needs watering when its soil feels dry. So if you’re forgetful or busy during the holidays, you don’t have to worry about your Christmas cactus!
Do coffee grounds help Christmas cactus?
As coffee grounds contain potassium and nitrogen, two minerals which help promote flowers on a Christmas cactus, adding used coffee grounds to the soil around the base of the plant can give it a boost. While the cactus itself will grow with little help, coffee grounds can give it a bit of a boost, making for brighter and more plentiful flowers come winter.
Cacti are desert plants that store water in their leaves and stem. They don’t need much water to survive, so it’s best to mist them every day instead of watering them like traditional plants. A few squirts from a spray bottle should be enough to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should water the base of the plant is when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark
A Christmas cactus should be put in darkness for 12 hours a day starting in October in order to initiate blooming. This will give the plant about eight weeks to form buds and bloom just in time for the holidays.
To get your Christmas cactus to bloom, you need to mimic its natural environment as closely as possible. The easiest way to do this is to let the top two or three inches of soil dry out between waterings. This forces the plant to use up its stored water, which in turn triggers blooming. So, cut back on how much you water your Christmas cactus during late fall, from October to the middle of November.
What does Epsom salt do for Christmas cactus?
Epsom salts can make blooms bigger on a plant, but it’s not going to produce flowers. What your plant probably could use is some regular fertilization. Generally, you need to fertilize in spring and summer. Then let the plant get some rest in October and November for a while.
Pruning an older plant will cause new growth to emerge. The plant will put out new segments wherever you trim. This is a great way to deal with a leggy plant, as it will fill in, making for a bushier, fuller Christmas cactus.
Where is the best place to put a Christmas cactus
Place your holiday cactus in an east or west facing window for partial shade and a temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning a holiday cactus will result in a fuller, bushier plant that will produce more blooms. In addition, it will provide an opportunity to propagate more plants to give to friends and family. The best time to prune a holiday cactus is right after it has bloomed and before it actively begins growing.
How often can you force a Christmas cactus to bloom?
A Christmas cactus can bloom up to two times per year if they’re given the proper care and dormancy conditions. It’s normal for them to bloom in December, and sometimes they will flower again in the spring. By providing the cactus with a cool, dark place to rest for about two months out of the year, you can encourage it to bloom twice annually.
A Christmas cactus is a succulent, so it absolutely can’t tolerate soggy feet. Water only when the surface feels dry to the touch. If the flat stems get soft and mushy, you’re overwatering. If the stems look shriveled, you’re probably under-watering.
Final Words
No, you don’t need to fertilize Christmas cactus.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, it simply depends on your personal preference. Some people choose to fertilize their Christmas cactus to help it grow and thrive, while others do not. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you think is best for your plant.
