Summary
AChristmas cactusis a gorgeousflowering houseplantthat elevatesindoor gardenswithgreen foliageandvibrant pink , rich red , and snowy white blossoms .
Providing exceptionalChristmas cactus careis a brilliant way to boost your beautiful houseplant to stick good for you and produce luscious blooms . Learnhow to worry for a Christmas cactusbyfertilizing a Christmas cactusproperly .
According to theUniversity of California , Christmas cacti have two common scientific names ( Schlumbergeraxbuckleyi ) and ( Schlumbergera bridgesii ) .
What Is the Best Fertilizer for a Christmas Cactus?
Apply balanced liquid 10-10-5 or 20-20-20 fertilizer to boost soil nutrients
Christmas cacti fanfare with abalanced liquid fertilizerlike10 - 10 - 5or20 - 20 - 20when youdilute it to ½ the concentration . Balanced liquid fertiliser contains indispensable plant nutrients such asnitrogen ( N),phosphorus ( P ) , andpotassium ( K ) .
Nitrogen
Encourages full , vivacious green foliage .
Phosphorus
Promotes keen flowering and outgrowth rate .
Potassium
Supports unattackable root organisation .
apply fertiliser topotting soilsupports healthy foliage , roots , and peak , byreplenishing nutrientsthat your plant absorbs when it ’s actively growing .
Should You Use Epsom Salts for a Christmas Cactus?
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of water and irrigate the soil
Clemson Universitynotes thatEpsom saltsarebeneficial for Christmas cactiand complementfertilizing a Christmas cactus plantwith a balanced fertiliser .
apply Epsom saltsonce per month(during your cacti ’s develop time of year ) whenirrigating the soilby blending1 teaspoonful of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water system . However , it ’s best to avoid applying them during the same hebdomad you fertilize because it can causeproblems for your Christmas cactus .
CombiningEpsom saltsandbalanced fertiliser in the same weekdecreases your cactus ’s ability to sufficiently absorb waterbecause it elevates the amount of salt in the potting soil .
How Often Should You Fertilize a Christmas Cactus?
Apply balanced fertilizer and Epsom salts monthly—on different weeks
AChristmas cactus prefers fertilizerduring itsgrowing time of year . The farm season for holiday cacti typically extends fromlate winter or former spring until belated summer . you’re able to tell the growing time of year is set out bywatching for new increment .
Generally , it ’s best to cut or dissolve your balanced fertilizer or Epsom salt in water . Then , water your Christmas cactus when the first 1 to 2 inches of potting mix finger ironical .
When to Stop Fertilizing a Christmas Cactus
End fertilizer applications in late summer and provide six weeks of darkness
Although monthly fertilizer is beneficial to a Christmas cactus when it ’s actively grow , it ’s equallyimportant to stop fertilize at the right time . When you wrap up feed at the end of the growing time of year , itprompts flower buds to develop in the fall .
Keep in mind that while your Christmas cacti are in a coolheaded , darker expanse , they will dry out out more tardily andrequire less water supply .
Photosensitivityoccurs when plantsdevelop their budsas aresult of experiencing sunshine photo ( or indoor lighting ) for a set amount of timeeach sidereal day .
Caring for a Christmas Cactus After Buds Develop
Resume watering, increase sunlight and temperatures,but avoid fertilizing
Once the flower buds are fix , your Christmas cactus still needs upkeep to flourish andproduce wonderful flowers . So if you ’re wondering — should I start fertilizing and watering now that my Christmas cactus is catch buds ? — check the works forethought tips below .
Once you see their exceptional blooms , you’re able to carry on to enjoy theflowers for about four to six weeks , before the plant becomes abeyant to remain and recharge out front of next year ’s growing cps .
Cultivate Holiday Cheer With a Christmas Cactus
Recap on how to fertilize a Christmas cactus
Growing a Christmas cactusis a mythical way to contribute a splash of color to your base when winter atmospheric condition is chilly outside . fecundate a Christmas cactus from late wintertime to late summeris a key part of a proper works guardianship routine that ply sustenance and sustains vibrant ontogeny .
Then , complement your superb fertilizing turn with exceptionalplant tending . rank your cactus in a way where it getstwo to six hours of sun dailyandirrigate when the top 2 inches of soil are dryto the touching , so you could enjoystunning blossoms for four to six weeks .
