Christmas cactus moisture is important as well. The plant requires frequent and thorough watering, during its active growth in spring and summer, keeping the soil slightly moist.
Similarly, why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
Also question is, do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
Is coffee good for Christmas cactus?
Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee. Find this Pin and more on Christmas cactus tips by Barbra Thelen-Byrnes.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
In case you didn’t remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.
How do you revive a dead Christmas cactus?
Trim away affected roots and rinse the remaining roots gently to remove fungus. Place the plant on a paper towel and put it in a warm, well-ventilated location so the roots can dry overnight. Place the Christmas cactus in a dry pot with fresh, lightweight potting soil the next day.
How long will a Christmas cactus live?
20 to 30 years
When should I put my Christmas cactus in the dark?
Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least 6-8 weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Put your forest cactus in a dark closet for 14 hours a night, starting six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom. 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.
Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming?
If you continue feeding the plant when it is not actively growing, the salt can build up in the bud, which will keep it from blooming. Never fertilize a Christmas cactus when the plant begins to flower because it can cause the buds to fall.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
When selecting a pot for a Christmas cactus, be sure to choose one that has a drainage hole in the bottom. This helps to keep the soil from getting too wet. Christmas cacti grow well in most potting mixes that are formulated for succulents. The important thing is that your potting soil drains well.
How do you care for a Christmas cactus indoors?
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees. 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 you take care of a Christmas cactus indoors?
Avoiding Problems With Christmas Cactus Health
- Maintain the correct light/dark schedule. …
- Don’t water too much. …
- Don’t water too little. …
- Make sure the plant gets enough indirect sunlight but keep it out of direct sunlight. …
- Keep the plant away from direct heat sources, like a fireplace or heating vent.
