How to Grow a Christmas Cactus? Detailed Guide to Care Methods and Precautions
For growing a Christmas cactus, it is best to use a neutral to slightly acidic soil rich in humus, loose and well-draining, and place it in a ventilated, humid, pollution-free environment. Stick to the principle of watering when the potting soil is dry, and applying a dilute liquid fertilizer once a week. In addition, note that the Christmas cactus is a semi-shade plant, so avoid direct sunlight and provide appropriate scattered light.
Key points for fertilizing a Christmas cactus:
1. Growing period
Apply a thin nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth, generally once every 15 days. Apply phosphorus fertilizer again before flowering.
2. After flowering
After the Christmas cactus finishes flowering, it enters a short dormant period, during which fertilization should be paused. Once new branches appear, resume normal fertilization.
3. During bud formation
Apply a thin phosphorus fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks, and pause fertilization during the flowering period.
4. Repotting
Repot the Christmas cactus once every 2 years, in March to April.
Before repotting, first spread a layer of coarse sand granules on the bottom of the pot, 3cm is enough, for better drainage. A small amount of decomposed animal manure can be added to the soil to make it fertile. Keep the fertilizer not too close to the roots, as it can easily cause fertilizer burn.
5. Grafting
After propagating a Christmas cactus by grafting, do not fertilize; place it in a cool place, and after 1 week, once the cut is completely dry, apply liquid fertilizer and then water.
6. Other
Apply a thin nitrogen fertilizer to the Christmas cactus once every 2 weeks, and do not pour it onto the leaves, otherwise it affects stem growth. In addition, you can fertilize first and then water; the later watering can rinse off fertilizer residue on the leaf surface.
In fact, when growing a Christmas cactus, as long as you pay attention to light, temperature, water and fertilizer, and pest and disease control, you can basically grow it well.