If you want to have a healthy and blooming Christmas cactus, you need to choose the right fertilizer. There are different types of fertilizer, so you need to know which one to choose. In general, you should go for a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. This will encourage blooming and prevent the plant from getting too leggy. You can also choose a time-release fertilizer so that you don’t have to worry about applying it too often.
There are a few different types of fertilizer that can be used for Christmas cactus, but the best type to use is a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will provide the cactus with the nutrients it needs to thrive without over-fertilizing it. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the cactus, being careful not to get any on the plant itself.
When should you fertilize Christmas cactus?
It is important to fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring. This will help the plants to grow throughout the summer. A one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements, is ideal for this purpose. Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants, so be sure to use a fertilizer that includes this element.
To ensure your Christmas cactus blooms beautifully, follow these simple tips:
– Plant your cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix.
– Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry.
– Increase humidity around the plant by grouping it with other plants or placing it on a pebble tray.
– Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
What does Epsom salt do for Christmas cactus
Epsom salts are often used as a fertilizer for plants, as they are rich in magnesium sulfate which is beneficial for plant growth. However, Epsom salts will not promote flower production on a plant, only bigger blooms. If you want your plant to produce flowers, you should fertilize it regularly in spring and summer, and then allow it to rest in October and November.
If you want your forest cactus to bloom for the holidays, start the process six to eight weeks before the holidays. Put the cactus in a dark closet for 14 hours a night. Bring it back out into a bright location during daylight hours. Once buds begin to form, the closet treatment is no longer needed, and the plant should bloom beautifully for the holidays.
How often should Xmas cactus be watered?
To care for your Christmas cactus, water it every 2 to 3 weeks, but 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.
Coffee grounds are a great way to add potassium and nitrogen to your Christmas cactus. These two minerals are essential for promoting the growth of beautiful flowers. While your cactus will still grow without them, adding coffee grounds to your soil will give it a boost and help it thrive.
How do you make Christmas cactus blooms last longer?
When the buds appear, water more frequently, but don’t increase the amount of water used. Too much water may cause the buds to fall off, as well as moving the pot around. The Christmas cactus will remain in bloom for four to six weeks, with each flower lasting six to nine days.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently.
Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun.
Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
How do I thicken my Christmas cactus
Trimming your Christmas cactus after blooming will help encourage a fuller, bushier plant. To do this, just pinch off one or more of the sections from the plant. You can replant these in separate pots if you’d like to create new plants. However, avoid pruning your Christmas cactus after late spring as this can damage the plant.
It’s important to start restricting the amount of water you give your plants while they are still young. Too much water can damage their roots and make them more susceptible to pests and diseases. Gradually reduce the amount of water you give them as they grow older and become more tolerant of dry conditions.
Should Christmas cactus be misted?
Misting your cactus every day is the best way to water it. You should only water the base of the plant when its soil is completely dry to the touch.
To get your Christmas cactus to bloom, you should put it in complete darkness for 12 hours each day, starting in October. Doing this for about 8 weeks should give the plant enough time to form buds and bloom just in time for Christmas.
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 giving your Christmas cactus the right amount of water, light, and fertilizer, you can encourage it to bloom multiple times throughout the year.
Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, with a temperature between 70° and 80℉. Cacti require little watering, and too much water can actually harm them. Water your cactus about once a week, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
What are the signs of overwatering a Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus needs very little water and can actually tolerate drought quite well. However, if the soil is too dry, the plant will start to wilt and the leaves will drop off. The best way to water a Christmas cactus is to let the soil dry out completely in between watering.
Christmas cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot and I planted it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas cactus planted in relatively small pots and they’re doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.
Final Words
To get the best results for your Christmas cactus, use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
Depending on the type of Christmas cactus you have, the best fertilizer might be different. For example, if you have a Schlumbergera Truncata, you should use a fertilizer with more phosphorus during the blooming season. A good general fertilizer to use for Christmas cactus is one that is balanced, such as 10-10-10.
