How often do I water a Christmas cactus?
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.
How do you take care of 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 I keep my Christmas cactus happy?
Allow Christmas cactus moisture levels to drop and dry out some between watering intervals, but never completely, and never let the plant sit in water, as this will lead to root and stem rot. Applying a mild houseplant fertilizer solution every other week is also acceptable.
How much sunlight does a Christmas cactus need?
Christmas cacti need bright, indirect sun. They’ll burn in direct sunlight, so if you’re placing yours indoors near a west or south-facing window, make sure it’s filtered with a sheer curtain. They like humidity, so if your house is dry indoors in winter, put it on a tray of pebbles, or place it near other plants.
Where should I place my Christmas cactus?
The key to keeping a healthy plant is making sure it is placed in the right location and only watering when the soil mix is dry. Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, with a temperature between 70° and 80℉.
Should I water my Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
Water 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.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark? To initiate blooming, put your Christmas cactus in absolute darkness for at least 12 hours a day, every day, starting in October. This gives the plant about eight weeks to form buds and bloom just in time for the holidays.
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.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus falling off?
The most common cause of a Christmas Cactus dropping leaves is overwatering, or conditions that result in soggy soil conditions. This causes root rot, and damage to the rest of the plant. Poorly draining soil, temperature stress, overfertilizing, lighting problems, or pests can also cause leaf drop.
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.
Where is the best place to put a Christmas cactus?
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. Prevention is simple.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
bottom
Water 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.
Do you water Christmas cactus from top or bottom?
When should I stop watering my Christmas cactus?
This watering schedule will prep your plant to bloom around Christmas. The only other time you should stop watering is after the plant blooms. At this time, cease watering for about 6 weeks to let the plant rest. New growth will still appear–and that’s when you can start watering again.
What kills a Christmas cactus?
Root rot is the main reason why Christmas cactus dies. Root rot is a fungal infection that is an after-effect of overwatering. Sudden temperature fluctuations can kill your Christmas cactus too. Pests like Mealybugs, Aphids and Brown scale can kill the plant too.
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is healthy?
Remove the plant gently from its pot. If the cactus is affected by rot, the roots will display blackened tips. Depending on the severity of the disease, rotten Christmas cactus roots will be slimy with black or brown decay. If you determine that your Christmas cactus is rotting, it’s critical to act fast.
How to easily grow and care for Christmas cactus?
Flower buds dropping can be put down to sudden changes in temperatures,as well as overwatering.
How to save and repot a Christmas cactus?
Two to three days before the move,water your Cactus more than usual.
How to revive a neglected Christmas cactus?
Let the cactus dry out for several days until thick scabs form on the cut sections.
What you should know about Christmas cactus care?
You can then plant the rooted cutting in a container filled with a mix of peat meat and sands.