How to grow grafted Christmas cactus? Cultivation methods and precautions

Summary Methods for cultivating grafted Christmas cactus: in winter, water once every 4-5 days, while in spring, summer and autumn, water once every 2-3 days; during the growing period, apply an appropriate amount of cake fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer, etc.; the suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C, and it can receive 8-10 hours of light per day. Precautions for cultivating grafted Christmas cactus: after flowering, control water and stop fertilizing; once flower buds appear, normal management can be resumed; do not expose it to scorching sun.

I. Methods for cultivating grafted Christmas cactus

1. Water

(1) Winter is the growing season for Christmas cactus, but the temperature is relatively low and water evaporates rather slowly, so do not water too much. During this period, to keep the soil moist, generally water once every 4-5 days. Watering can be done at noon when the temperature is slightly higher, to avoid freezing after watering due to the lower winter temperature.

(2) Because summer temperatures are high, water evaporates rather quickly. Even when shaded, the potting soil still dries out easily. During this period, water once every 1-2 days and frequently spray the leaves, which both ensures robust plant growth and helps prevent heat and lower temperature. In spring and autumn, water once every 2-3 days.

2. Fertilizing

(1) Fertilizing is mainly concentrated in April-June and September-October. During this period, apply decomposed animal manure or cake fertilizer once every 10 days. Before fertilizing, pause watering to keep the potting soil dry, so the fertilizer effect will be better.

(2) In spring, the branches and leaves of Christmas cactus sprout rather vigorously, and an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during this period. When summer arrives, stop fertilizing. When autumn arrives, an appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer can be applied, which helps promote flower bud differentiation.

3. Temperature

(1) The suitable growing temperature for Christmas cactus is 15-25°C. When summer arrives, provide appropriate shading and cooling, and when autumn arrives, move it indoors to a sunny spot for care.

(2) When winter arrives, the indoor temperature needs to remain stable at 15°C. If the temperature is below 5°C, it will suffer frost damage. On clear days, it can receive appropriate direct sunlight, and on cold nights, the plant can be covered with a large plastic bag to keep it warm.

4. Light

Christmas cactus is a short-day plant. If it can receive 8-10 hours of light per day, it generally blooms in February-March. Therefore, sufficient light is needed to promote growth. If the light duration is short, growth will be hindered.

II. Precautions for cultivating grafted Christmas cactus

1. After flowering, Christmas cactus has a dormant period. During this period, control water and stop fertilizing. After the dormant period passes, flower buds will grow, and then normal management can be resumed.

2. When summer temperatures are too high, Christmas cactus will be forced into dormancy as a form of self-protection. During this period, appropriately reduce watering, then strengthen ventilation. When the temperature rises, it will gradually resume growth.

3. During the growth of Christmas cactus, due to the plant's own nutrient consumption, the leaves may become soft after the flowers fall. This is a normal phenomenon.

4. After flowering, Christmas cactus is in a rather poor condition. At this time, control the amount of watering to avoid root rot. During the recovery period of Christmas cactus, all the tips of the wilted leaves can be cut off.

5. Christmas cactus should not be exposed to scorching sun, which will cause sunburn to the plant, yellowing and shedding of stems and leaves, and even death.