Christmas cactus is a holiday houseplant that blooms indoors in late fall or early winter. It’s not actually a cactus, but a member of the moisture-loving family of plants called Schlumbergera, which includes Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus, and zygocactus. Christmas cactus grows in the wild in the rain forests of Brazil, where it hangs from tree branches and gets its moisture from the humid air and afternoon rain showers.
The Christmas cactus should be fed every two weeks from March to September, and then every month from October to February.
When should you feed Christmas cactus?
Christmas cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants, so it’s important to fertilize them monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring. Use a one-half strength liquid fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 with trace elements, and continue fertilizing throughout the summer.
To ensure your Christmas cactus blooms, it’s important to plant it in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix and water it when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. You should also increase the humidity around the plant and feed it from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food. By following these tips, you’ll have a beautiful Christmas cactus that will bloom for years to come.
Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming
It’s important to never fertilize a Christmas cactus when the plant begins to flower because it can cause the buds to fall. Doing so can ruin the plant’s chances of blooming and looking its best. If you need to fertilize, do so before the plant flowers.
Christmas cacti are typically easy to care for and only need to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks. However, it’s important to only water when the top one third of 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.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
To encourage bud set, provide bright light, temperatures between 55 F and 65 F, and 13 hours or more of continuous darkness each day.
The Christmas cactus has a bloom cycle that is dependent on dormancy, water, light, and temperature. During the late fall, from October to the middle of November, you should cut back on how much you water your Christmas cactus. Let the top two or three inches of soil dry out between waterings.
How do you perk up a Christmas cactus?
If your Christmas cactus is wilting or limp, it may be due to a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the plant, give it a limited drink and continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
A Christmas cactus is a type of cactus that typically blooms around the Christmas holiday. To help your Christmas cactus bloom, feed it 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.
How do you stimulate a Christmas cactus to grow
It’s really important to also start to restrict the water that you’re giving your plant while they are in the flowering stage. Too much water can result in problems with your plant, including mold and mildew.
It’s important to keep your cactus evenly moist while it’s blooming, so mist it frequently. Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
What does Epsom salt do for Christmas cactus?
It’s good to know that epsom salts can help make blooms bigger on a plant. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this won’t necessarily lead to more flowers. If you’re looking to encourage more blooming, it’s generally a good idea to fertilize regularly. This is typically done in spring and summer, with a break in fall and winter to give the plant a chance to rest.
If you’re looking to add a festive touch to your home, consider growing a holiday cacti! These cheerful plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any indoor space. Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window. Ideally, the temperature should be between 70° and 80℉. With a little TLC, your holiday cacti will bloom for years to come!
Should I be misting my Christmas cactus
Cacti are unique plants that are adapted to arid conditions. Instead of watering them like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch.
Watering a cactus from the top ensures that the plant is evenly and thoroughly moistened. This is the best method to water a cactus, and the one I recommend.
What does a Christmas cactus look like when overwatered?
An overwatered Christmas Cactus will have yellow leaves and may begin to go limp. If the soil stays continually moist, it is also a sign that the roots aren’t taking up any water.
The Christmas Cactus is a beautiful plant that blooms in December. The flowers are usually pink or white and they make a great addition to any holiday decor. If you are looking for a plant that is easy to care for and blooms in the winter, the Christmas Cactus is a great choice.
Warp Up
The best time to feed your Christmas cactus is about once a week, during the growing season. If the plant is not actively growing, you can reduce the frequency of feeding to every other week.
If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom during the holidays, you should start fertilizing it in September. Use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content so that the plant will produce more flowers instead of leaves. Stop fertilizing in mid-November so that the plant can start to rest in preparation for blooming.
