A Detailed Guide to Pruning Methods and Cultivation Techniques for Christmas Cactus
It is autumn once again, and many plants that lay dormant in summer begin to grow one after another in this season. Autumn is also the growing season for the Christmas cactus, and this season is a worrying time for gardeners who grow Christmas cactus. Not only must they strengthen its routine care, but the Christmas cactus will also grow rapidly in this season. If it is not dealt with in time, it will affect its appearance, to say nothing of anything else. So how should the Christmas cactus be pruned? What are its cultivation techniques? Let us take a look together.
How to prune the Christmas cactus
1. After the flowers fade in spring
After the flowers fade, promptly remove the spent flowers, cut the 3-4 stem segments below the flowers short, and thin out the aged stems to facilitate ventilation and later care.
2. During the care process
The Christmas cactus grows rapidly. During cultivation, sometimes 4-5 new shoots will grow from a single segment, and at this time they must be pruned away promptly, leaving 1-2. Of course, if there are many thin, small flower buds on the stem segments, some should also be removed, which can make the flowers uniform in size and make them bloom vigorously.
3. After 3-5 years of cultivation
After the Christmas cactus has been cultivated for 3-5 years, its leaf stems can basically reach 20-30 cm. At this time, thick iron wire should be used as a support and wrapped around the pot. A circular support is placed on top, and the overly long branches and segments are tied directly to the ring, which can prevent the stem segments from becoming scattered and messy. After handling, cut off the uneven stem segments so that the plant takes on an umbrella shape, which is beneficial to the plant's photosynthesis and to its display and viewing.
4. When the plant is too large
In a suitable care environment, the Christmas cactus will grow rapidly, and the plant height can reach more than 50 cm, which is not good for viewing. In spring, the stem segments can be cut short, and overly dense and aged branches can be pruned away. After thinning, the new branches are tender green and sturdy. If they still grow wildly, they can be pruned once more in autumn. Note that pruning should be done on a sunny day, and never prune in summer.
Cultivation techniques for the Christmas cactus
1. Choice of soil
Choose soil for planting that is loose, breathable, and well-draining. The Christmas cactus is actually a plant for lazy people; being too diligent can easily cause problems for it. Soil is a fairly key part. Because the Christmas cactus is originally an epiphytic plant that grows in tropical rainforests, its root system is not very vigorous and is mainly composed of fibrous roots. Many gardeners like to plant small seedlings in very large pots, but potting soil that is too large for the plant is not good for the plant's growth. So choosing a pot and soil only slightly larger than the plant is enough, and gradually move it to larger ones.
2. Planting time
In March, the temperature has basically risen, and the Christmas cactus is right in its sprouting period. In southern regions, the temperature is basically above 10 degrees, around 15-20 degrees, while in the north it is basically a bit later.
3. Water management
After planting or transplanting, many people will hurriedly water it. Actually, for the Christmas cactus this is not good. Generally, choose to water the settling-in water about three days after planting. Moreover, this should be done on a sunny day; if there is continuous rain, it is not suitable for watering. Watering is generally done in the morning, so that the plant will not be too wet after nightfall. The watering frequency should not be too high; water when dry, do not water when not dry, and when watering, water thoroughly.
4. Fertilizer management
During the growing period, the Christmas cactus needs fertilizer very much, basically alternating once with clear water and once with fertilized water. After planting or transplanting, it is generally better to wait about half a month to a month before fertilizing. After that, the leaves can often be sprayed with water to maintain humidity. In addition, some gardeners have experience such as placing eggshells, fish bones, "organic fertilizer," and so on underneath. With these methods, be careful to keep a certain distance from the plant's roots, and wait until the roots grow down and then touch them, which is safer.
5. Points to note about light and temperature
During the budding period of the Christmas cactus, stronger light is beneficial for budding and branching, and at this time it can be exposed to more sun. When growing leaves, a more shaded environment can make the leaves grow larger and more glossy. In summer, it must be in a cool environment, especially after the temperature exceeds thirty degrees. At this time, water less, apply light fertilizer, or stop fertilizing. The Christmas cactus likes a stable environment; do not change its position too frequently, and avoid temperatures that suddenly rise and fall.
What to do if the Christmas cactus has root rot
First, take the Christmas cactus out of its pot, and then clean the soil off the roots. Then cut off the rotten roots, old roots, and weak roots. After trimming the roots, soak them in a carbendazim solution for about 30 minutes, then place them in a cool, ventilated place to dry.
Finally, prepare loose, breathable nutrient soil, repot the Christmas cactus, water it thoroughly, and then place it in a bright, indirectly lit, ventilated environment. After 1 week, move it to an environment with plenty of sunlight for normal care.
What to do if the Christmas cactus leaves turn red
1. Keep warm
In winter, generally to prevent the plant from freezing injury, it is necessary to ensure a suitable temperature. Generally, the wintering temperature for the Christmas cactus in winter must not be lower than 10°C.
2. Control light
For light control, mainly ensure two points: first, in summer when the light is strong, move it to a place with weaker light; second, ensure bright, indirect light.
3. Supplement growth elements
When the plant lacks phosphorus, it can easily cause the Christmas cactus leaves to turn red, so an appropriate supplement of some phosphorus fertilizer can be given.
4. Change the potting soil
When the plant has not been repotted for a long time, the phenomenon of leaves turning red is likely to occur. So the Christmas cactus needs to have its potting soil changed regularly, and the soil is best if it is new soil.
The Christmas cactus has diverse flower colors and gorgeous blooms, and is very lovable. This plant is not difficult to grow, and friends who are interested can give it a try. It is only necessary during the growing process to water and fertilize according to its growth habits, otherwise a careless mistake may affect the plant's growth.