High temperatures, excessive heat fluctuation, and dry air are not ideal for a holiday cactus, so if your home is excessively dry because of a wood stove or another form of dry heat, make sure to mist the leaves to create humidity around the plants.
Accordingly, how often do you water a Thanksgiving cactus?
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can kill the plant. Provide plenty of indirect light and room temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. If you already have a Thanksgiving cactus from last year, to get it to bloom on time you‘ll need to begin temperature and light treatments in mid-September.
- Cool Air: Give your holiday cactus chilly air (50 to 55 F at night) for 6 to 8 consecutive weeks. The easiest way to do this is to place plants outdoors on a porch or other sheltered spot. …
- Darkness: Holiday cactus plants need 13 (or more) hours of darkness each night.
One may also ask, should I water a blooming Thanksgiving cactus?
Since the plant is an epiphyte, it sometimes has exposed roots and will gather moisture through humidity in the air. During the flowering period, keep Thanksgiving cactus evenly moist. … When the plant is not flowering, water only enough to keep it from shriveling. Remember that overwatering can kill the plant.
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.
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.
When should I prune my Thanksgiving cactus?
The best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right after it has bloomed. At this time, the Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period and will start to put out new leaves. Pruning a Christmas cactus right after it blooms will force it to branch out, which means the plant will grow more of its distinctive stems.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
Whatever type of plant it is, the Thanksgiving holiday cactus is a proven winner, with blooms that last for 2 to 4 months and an easy-going nature. The only real problem with the plant is its need to be fooled in order to bloom again the next year.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus dying?
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.
What do you feed a Thanksgiving cactus?
Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements. Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants.
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.
How long does a Thanksgiving cactus live?
20 to 30 years
How do you prune a Thanksgiving cactus?
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.
