Table of Contents
How do you know when to repot a Christmas cactus?
When to Repot Christmas Cactus Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.
Do Christmas cactus like to be root bound?
Christmas Cactuses actually like to have their roots sort of crowded. This is a struggle for plant parents because it’s tough to prevent them from becoming root bound when they actually grow best in a crowded pot.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
ANSWER: Christmas cacti are well suited to clay pots due to their quickly-draining nature. Clay is a porous material, which provides good air circulation and conductive conditions.
What is the best potting soil for Christmas cactus?
Having said that, I have seen Christmas cacti growing very well in garden soil used as potting soil. The ideal potting soil will contain a high proportion of organic matter such as peat or well-decomposed compost. Addition of coarse sand, or even aquarium gravel, will provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
Do Christmas cactus like small pots?
Christmas Cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they’re doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.
Should I water my Christmas cactus after repotting?
Water Sparingly After Repotting Water the Christmas cactus lightly for two or three weeks after repotting, providing just enough moisture to keep the potting mix slightly moist. This provides time for new roots to develop and become anchored in the potting mix. Thereafter, resume the plant’s normal watering schedule.
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. Poor drainage and soggy roots can make Christmas cactus very limp.
Why are the buds on my Christmas cactus falling off?
Dropping buds can be a result of overwatering, temperature extremes or lack of light. Your plant was given special treatment to make it bloom at Christmas, and it was provided with perfect growing conditions during this time.
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.
Can I use regular potting soil for Christmas cactus?
The easiest medium requires three parts regular potting soil mixed with two parts perlite. This will provide perfectly adequate drainage. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the soil is dry – try not to let the soil dry out completely, but don’t let water stand in the pot or the saucer underneath.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don’t use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.
What does an Underwatered Christmas cactus look like?
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.
Should I mist 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.
How often do you water a Christmas cactus indoors?
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. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
How do you take care of an old Christmas cactus?
Proper care of old Christmas cactus includes cutting back overgrown branches and, sometimes, repotting the plant. One of the first steps in the care of old Christmas cactus is a good trim of the branches. When the branches become too long and heavy, they are likely to break off, so it’s better if you trim instead.
How do you split and repot a Christmas cactus?
If your Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus gets very big and pot-bound, you can divide it. Cut through its thick roots with a sharp, clean knife. You can divide it into two to four pieces, depending on the size of the plant. Replant the divisions in a well-drained cactus potting mix.
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
Although sagging, limp foliage and stems that are mushy toward the bottom are strong indicators of overwatering and root rot, the only way to determine for sure if a christmas cactus is suffering from overwatering and root rot is to look at the roots of the plant.
Do Christmas cactus need a lot of sun?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. Avoid placing the plant where it receives either cold or hot air drafts. Placing the Christmas cactus on the window sill in a cool room and not turning on the lights is all that’s needed.
