How 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. …
- From spring through early fall, feed every 2 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. …
- Prune plants in late spring to encourage branching and more flowers.
Just so, 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.
Furthermore, how do you care for Schlumbergera?
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 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.
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.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
The main benefit of using coffee grounds on Christmas cactus is, of course, it helps it bloom in season. It will give your cacti the little boost it needs and can help revive your Christmas cactus if you think it may be dying.
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.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Step 3: Move the Mature Cactus to a Dark Location
In late September or early October, place the mature plant in a dark room or keep it covered (under a box or bag works fine) for at least 12 hours a day.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Does Christmas Cactus Bloom More Than Once A Year? Yes. Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
You should be misting, not watering, every day.
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.
Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. … Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist. Soil that is too wet causes Christmas cactus problems too.
How long does Christmas cactus live?
20 to 30 years
How do you propagate Schlumbergera?
The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to propagate. Take cuttings of one to four segments and let them sit in a cool, dry place for two to four days. Plant an inch deep in new soil, preferably a sand/peat mix. Water sparingly until roots or new growth develop, then water as normal.
Is Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs?
The Christmas cactus is not poisonous to humans or cats and dogs. … The fibrous plant material of the cactus can cause vomiting and diarrhea in mass quantities.
