- Boric acid as feed for christmas cactus. Boric acid helps to achieve abundant flowering of the plant. This substance accelerates the growth of the flower and nourishes the buds.
- Wood ash. Wood ash is another excellent top dressing for the Christmas Cactus during the budding period. ...
- Sugar as fertilizer. Sugar is a very useful supplement used by many growers. Once in the soil, it breaks down into glucose and fructose, which are beneficial for plants.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide saturates the soil with oxygen, helps to strengthen the root system of the Christmas Cactus and prevents rotting processes in the roots.
- Tea infusion for christmas cactus. The tea infusion is the most affordable top dressing, provoking the laying of more flower buds. Stimulates Schlumberger to bloom.
- citrus peels. An infusion of citrus peels also stimulates plant growth and flowering. ...
- Mineral fertilizers for feeding Christmas Cactus. Liquid complex fertilizers, which are sold in stores, contain a balanced set of all microelements and vitamins necessary for a Christmas party.
What is the best fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christmas cactus. Feed monthly during regular watering from late winter to late summer.
Do Christmas cactus need feeding?
These popular plants, which include Easter and Thanksgiving cacti, often come from the nursery bursting with blooms, but getting them to flower the next year can be tricky. This is where the importance of Christmas cactus feeding comes into play.
How do you care for a Christmas cactus in the winter?
While your Christmas cactus thrives with well-draining soil, adequate watering, average moisture, excellent humidity, and bright yet indirect sunlight, feeding it with fertilizer will keep your plant in top condition so that it forms abundant buds in the winter.
What is eating my holiday cactus leaves?
The most common pests that infect holiday cacti are fungus gnats, flower thrips, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs . Do not overwater your plant; soggy soil is what most often attracts these pests. Insecticidal soap and horticultural oil are usually effective in controlling an outbreak.
See more
When should I Feed my Christmas cactus?
After blooming, fertilize the plant every month beginning when you see new growth at the end of winter or the first of spring. Feed a Christmas cactus with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water to 50% strength.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas 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. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?
Christmas cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, but do not apply the same week as regular fertilizer.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don't use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.
How do you perk up a Christmas cactus?
Use a good quality potting soil at two parts potting soil to one part sand or vermiculite, assuring sharp drainage. Even if the soil is not soggy, repotting may be the solution to reviving a limp Christmas cactus.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
Instead of watering it 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.
Are eggshells good for Christmas cactus?
Do Egg Shells Make Good Fertilizer? Definitely. Plants need calcium for growth just as much as they need phosphorus and nitrogen. And eggshells as fertilizer are an excellent way to provide your succulents and cacti with calcium carbonate.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp leaves on a Christmas cactus can be caused by a few different things including overwatering, not enough watering, and too much direct sun. Their preferred conditions are partial shade, sufficient humidity, warmth, and moderate watering.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
bottomWater the Christmas Cactus from the bottom so the water can get down to the plant's roots. Keep pouring water into the soil until water is dripping through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This soaks the soil. Once the soil is completely soaked, make sure that there's no standing water underneath the pot.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. The “trick” to getting Christmas cactus to bloom in the following years after purchase comes down to two things: light and temperature. These two are the keys to the flower kingdom.
How often does a Christmas cactus need to be watered?
every 2-3 weeksHow to Care for Christmas Cacti. Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but 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.
Is banana peel good for Christmas cactus?
There is no doubt that banana peels are a good fertilizer. When dealing with succulents and even cacti, it is important to pay attention to how often (or rather how infrequently) you are adding this fertilizer because they need it less than food plants.
Christmas Cactus Fertilizer Requirements
Christmas cacti produce trailing jointed stems and wonderful flowers. These plants are epiphytes native to Brazil and make perfect houseplants. For...
How to Feed A Christmas Cactus
A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christm...
General Care For Christmas Cactus
Using a fertilizer for Christmas cactus is only part of the care ritual. These plants rarely need repotting since they like a crowded environment,...
How to spot an overwatered Christmas cactus?
If the leaves are looking limp, this means that the plant is heavily overwatered. In severe overwatered scenarios, you may also find an off odor li...
Why does my Christmas cactus look limp?
There can be several factors why your beloved and bright cactus is no more lively. If you are under-watering your cactus, the leaves are more likel...
Should I keep my dog away from the Christmas cactus?
It is a common misconception that Christmas cactus and dogs do not go along well. The good news for dog parents is, your dog is not likely to face...
Can a broken piece of the cactus be used for replanting?
The Christmas cactus can be replanted using a cutting or a broken piece. The plant is relatively easy to propagate. You have to take a piece from o...
How much sun does a Christmas cactus require?
The cactus does not need direct sunlight. The best living conditions for a Christmas cactus is a place with indirect sunlight. If you keep the cact...
How do I feed a Christmas cactus?
How to Feed a Christmas Cactus. To start, the plants thrive in indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, so make sure that you have a good spot for the plant to grow. The feeding season of the Christmas cactus is the same as the growing season.
Why should I not fertilize Christmas cactus?
Never fertilize a Christmas cactus when the plant begins to flower because it can cause the buds to fall.
What to use to fertilize a plant that is not fertilized?
When you are not fertilizing the plant, you can use a mixture of a gallon of water and a teaspoon of Epsom salt. This will help the plant get all of the magnesium that it needs to grow and bloom properly without stunting its growth. The plant will not need to be fertilized past October because it will go dormant.
When should I fertilize my sage?
During mid to late summer, you can use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus once a month to help enhance the flowers when they bloom. When the plant stops growing, which will be late in the summer months, it is important to make sure that you stop feeding it as well.
When should I feed my sage?
This means that it will need to be fed right before it blooms, which should be about from April to October of the year. With the right fertilizer and a proper feeding schedule, you should have bright blooms just in time for Christmas.
Do Christmas cactus bloom?
Getting the Christmas cactus to bloom during Christmas can be tricky, but if you feed it just right, you will be glad that you took the extra time to figure out the idio syncrasies of this unique plant.
How to make Christmas cactus healthy?
For a healthy and nutritious plant, you have to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. Try nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous with your Christmas cacti.
How to replant a Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus can be replanted using a cutting or a broken piece. The plant is relatively easy to propagate. You have to take a piece from one to four segments and let them be in a dry place for up to four days. You cant replant using an inch deep cutting .
What houseplants bloom in the Christmas season?
Also, if you are lucky, then you might have received the beautiful holiday plants this season. The Christmas cactus is a typical houseplant that blooms around the Christmas season. The long-greenish arms and other colorful varieties deserve loads of appreciation.
How to keep cactus from blooming?
Hampering in the dark periods can prevent blooming. Keep the plant away from a heating vent or a fireplace. The plant will bloom when exposed to bright sources of light.
Why are my cactus leaves limping?
If you are under-watering your cactus, the leaves are more likely to droop and limp. To fix these limping issues, you must make sure that the plant receives an ideal amount of water.
How long do Christmas cacti live?
If the Christmas plant is appropriately nurtured, it can live for up to 20 or 30 years. Cool night temperatures can encourage your Christmas cacti to bloom better.
What are the diseases that affect Christmas cactus?
These five diseases are pythium root rot, basal stem rot, impatiens necrotic spot virus, botrytis blight, and phytophthora root rot.
When do Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) produces pink or red flowers in late fall or early winter, often blooming at the height of the holiday season. The cactus grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12, but it's usually grown as an indoor plant because it can't tolerate wet soil ...
Do you fertilize cactus after it blooms?
Do not fertilize once the cactus begins to flower. Over-fertilizing, especially after the buds begin to open, can cause the buds or flowers to drop off the plant prematurely. A fertilizer with high nitrogen content can also prevent bloom. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006.
How often should I feed my Christmas cactus?
Feed your Christmas cactus monthly with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer during the spring and summer months. Once you've noticed flower buds have formed, begin withholding fertilizer until it blooms (at which point you can resume monthly feedings).
What pH should I use for Christmas cactus?
It does prefer a pH level between 5.5 and 6.2 to achieve optimal growth.
How much light do cactus need?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin to limit the amount of light the plant receives. The plant can remain in indirect light during the day, but it will need at least 12 to 14 hours of total darkness at night in order for flower buds to develop.
How do I know if my Christmas cactus needs water?
Though the Christmas cactus is, in fact, a cactus, its tropical origins mean it craves more water than most. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to run out through the drainage hole. Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings—you will know if the soil is too dry when the leaves start to pucker and shrivel.
What is the holiday cactus?
Enter: the holiday cactus. While it may seem like an unusual winter holiday plant , the holiday cactus becomes flush with bold blooms, making it a welcome sight in the middle of winter . There are many legends surrounding the holiday cactus—one in particular comes out of Brazil, where the plant is native. As the story goes, a poor little boy out in ...
How to get a cactus to bloom?
To have your holiday cactus bloom exactly at holiday time, you will probably need to force it by first sending it into dormancy and then coaxing it out. Follow these steps, starting in mid-fall. In mid-October, reduce your watering.
How big is a cactus in inches?
Botanical Name. Schlumbergera buckleyi. Common Name. Holiday cactus, crab cactus. Plant Type. Cactus. Mature Size. 6–12 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide.
How do I care for a Christmas cactus in the winter?
While your Christmas cactus thrives with well-draining soil, adequate watering, average moisture, excellent humidity, and bright yet indirect sunlight, feeding it with fertilizer will keep your plant in top condition so that it forms abundant buds in the winter.
What temperature should I use for a Christmas cactus?
Temperature: The optimal temperature for your Christmas cactus is between 15˚C to 21˚C (60˚F to 70˚F), with average to high levels of humidity.
How long should I keep a Christmas cactus in the shade?
Lightly pat the soil or potting mix to remove air pockets and water moderately. Place your repotted Christmas cactus in the shade for two to three days.
How long do Christmas cactus flowers last?
When your Christmas cactus has stopped flowering, usually by fall, you should allow it to undergo a dormancy period of about six to eight weeks.
Why are my Christmas cactus' leaves yellowing?
Replant your Christmas cactus in a new potting mix. Yellowing leaves may also be a sign of nutritional deficiency. In this case, you will have to fertilize and make sure it contains a complete list of nutrients needed by the plant. It could also be too much direct sunlight.
How to encourage Christmas cactus to bloom?
First, you will need to help the plant prepare for a period of flowering and to enable it to store plenty of energy needed for flower production. And you can do this by giving it the right fertilizers in the spring and the summer.
Why is a Christmas cactus called a Christmas cactus?
It is commonly called Christmas cactus because it blooms during the holidays. A Christmas cactus has flat-shaped, glossy-green segments that make up its hanging branches. They produce abundant beautiful tubular red, yellow, pink, purple, or white blooms with proper care.
Does Christmas Cactus Like Sun or Shade?
Christmas cactus, or ‘Schlumbergera’ to use its Latin botanical name, likes indirect sunlight. So if it’s indoors, a sunny room is good, ideally near an east or west-facing windowsill.
How Often Do You Water A Christmas Cactus?
As tropical plants, Schlumbergera don’t like to get too dry, and shouldn’t be treated like typical cacti. Water them when the soil feels dry to your fingers. Let any excess water drain onto the saucer beneath the plant pot, then empty it: the Christmas cactus does not like having “wet feet”.
How Do I Keep My Christmas Cactus Blooming?
So, after you’ve encouraged your Christmas cactus to bloom, by using the 50/50 light/dark method, how do you keep those beautiful flowers coming?
How Big Does A Christmas Cactus Get?
Because a well-loved Christmas cactus can live for years, they can reach a decent size. The hanging branches can reach lengths of two to three feet. Time to put it on a higher ledge or invest in a hanging basket!
What Do You Feed A Christmas Cactus?
Look out for a potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizer, and feed it to your cactus once or twice a month during its growing season. A fertilizer that dissolves in water makes it easier to feed. You can also give it a dose of Epsom salts (more about this in a moment).
How Long Do Christmas Cactus Live?
The oldest Christmas cactus on record lived for 111 years! Most don’t live that long, but if you care for yours, it could survive for two, even three decades.
What Kind Of Soil Does A Christmas Cactus Need?
Your Christmas cactus needs well-draining, aerated soil to prevent its roots from rotting. You could also use a mix of regular potting soil and sandy (two parts to one part).
4. You may not need to repot your cactus
While most plants will need to be repotted once every year or two, Schlumbergera actually does better when they’re a bit root-bound. In fact, repotting them too often can cause damage, as the segments can snap off, and the plants are easily stressed by a lot of movement.
5. A Christmas cactus must go dormant to flower
If you want your plant to flower, you have to mimic the environmental triggers that cause it to enter a period of dormancy.
6. You can multiply your Christmas cactus plants for free
Propagating Christmas cacti is simple to do, and it’s a great way to add to your collection, grow gifts for friends and family, or even fill in skimpy plants for free.
7. You can put your Christmas cactus outside
Our attention often turns to these plants during the holidays, but when the weather outside warms up, you can move them outdoors.
8. Christmas cactuses have sensitive skin
Did you know your Christmas cactus can get a sunburn just like you? These plants are native to Brazil, where they grow in the branches of trees shaded by the canopy above. They grow in bright light that filters through the leaves above them.
9. Christmas cactuses are pet friendly
Unlike many popular plants, Christmas cactuses are nontoxic to dogs and cats. When it comes to holiday plants, the list of nontoxic plants is incredibly short.
10. Christmas cactuses can outlive you
Another reason it seems everyone has a holiday cactus is because of how long they live. If properly cared for, it’s not uncommon for these plants to live for decades. The internet is littered with local news stories of massive Christmas cactuses a hundred years old or older.
What is a Christmas cactus?
By: Liz Baessler. Printer Friendly Version. Image by AnthonyRosenberg. Christmas cactus is a popular gift and houseplant. Blooming specifically during periods with long nights, it’s a welcome flash of color in the dead of winter. If you’re looking to plant or repot a Christmas cactus, however, you should be aware of a few specific soil requirements ...
Can I use potting soil for cacti?
You can buy commercial potting mixes for cacti that will ensure good drainage. With just a little effort, however, you can make your own. The easiest medium requires three parts regular potting soil mixed with two parts perlite. This will provide perfectly adequate drainage.
Do you need to repot a Christmas cactus?
If you’re looking to plant or repot a Christmas cactus, however, you should be aware of a few specific soil requirements to ensure a good bloom in the next season. Keep reading to learn about soil requirements for Christmas cactus.
