How do you grow a Christmas cactus so it fills the whole pot? Just use this one trick

Many people keep a pot of crab claw flower at home, which is the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). The flowering period of the crab claw flower runs from October to February of the following year. Many flower growers say that their Christmas cactus at home does not bloom, or does not grow densely, and these problems may all be caused by the wrong cultivation method. Today I will introduce to you the cultivation method for the crab claw flower!

I. Brief introduction to the crab claw flower

1. Other names of the crab claw flower

The scientific name of the crab claw flower is Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Because the joints of its stem segments connect in a shape like the secondary claws of a crab, it is called crab claw orchid; it is also called crab orchid, Christmas cactus, crab claw lotus, and icing on the cake. It is an epiphytic small shrub belonging to the genus Schlumbergera, family Cactaceae, order Caryophyllales, class Dicotyledoneae.

2. Growth habits of the crab claw flower

The crab claw flower is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it grows epiphytically on large tree trunks or in dark, moist rock crevices. During growth and development it needs shaded and humid environmental conditions, and it can only form buds and bloom under short-day conditions. During its yearly growth process, the crab claw flower has two brief dormant periods, one during the hottest part of summer and one after flowering in early spring; it also has two vigorous growth periods, one in mid-to-late May and one in early-to-mid October. Flower buds generally begin to form in mid-to-late October.

3. Morphological characteristics of the crab claw flower

Like most cactus plants, the crab claw flower has stems and leaves that are strongly modified into segments, shaped like crab feet. The leaf-like stems are flat and thick, ovate, bright green, with coarse serrations along the edges and small spines growing on them. The tip of a stem segment often bears 2-3 flower buds at the same time, but usually only one can open, while the others fall off naturally. The flowers grow at the tips of the leaf-like stems, and the flower colors include light purple, yellow, red, pure white, pink, orange, blue and bicolor, etc.

4. Propagation methods of the crab claw flower

The crab claw flower is commonly propagated by cuttings, grafting and sowing. Grafted Christmas cactus has a graceful plant shape, and the rootstock has a well-developed root system, good nutrient supply, robust plants and more flowers.

5. Classification of the crab claw flower

Common ornamental species in the same genus as the Christmas cactus include:

① Schlumbergera crenata: stems light purple, flowers red

② Schlumbergera pulchra: flower buds white, pink when open

③ Schlumbergera russelliana: with magenta flowers

④ Schlumbergera russelliana

⑤ Schlumbergera buckleyi

⑥ Schlumbergera obtusangula

⑦ Christmas cactus

6. Flower language of the crab claw flower

Good fortune arrives and fortunes turn for the better. The Christmas cactus blooms in winter, and many festivals in various countries take place in winter, so in people's hearts it has become the embodiment of happiness, auspiciousness and joy, and people all hope it can bring them good luck.

II. Cultivation methods for the crab claw flower

If you want the Christmas cactus to grow well, you need to understand its ecological habits, and at the same time pay attention during cultivation to factors such as soil, water, light and fertilizer. Therefore we should pay attention to the following cultivation points:

1. Soil: The Christmas cactus is suited to a fertile mixed soil of leaf mold, peat and coarse sand, with a pH of 5.5-6.5, so when using potting soil for planting, pay attention to choosing suitable soil as well as a flower pot with good drainage.

2. Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for the Christmas cactus is 20°C-25°C. When the temperature is above 35°C or below 2°C, the plant will stop growing. During the winter flowering period, keep the temperature at 10°C-15°C and move it to a place with diffused light for care.

3. Light: The Christmas cactus does not have high light requirements; indoor light is enough to maintain its normal growth. However, in summer pay attention to avoiding direct sunlight or scorching sun. In other seasons, as long as it is placed in a spot with diffused light, it can grow very well.

4. Watering: The Christmas cactus likes a semi-shaded, moist environment, but it is not tolerant of waterlogging. If watered too much, it is very easy for the roots to rot, so there must be no standing water. Follow the principle of “water thoroughly only after the soil dries out.” In the hot season, water once every 2 to 3 days, and avoid watering at noon; in winter when the temperature is lower, water once a week, and avoid watering in the evening.

5. Fertilizing: The Christmas cactus likes fertilizer. When fertilizer is sufficient, there are more branches and more flowers. It mainly likes potassium fertilizer, followed by nitrogen fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilizing is mainly carried out from September to October and from April to June. During the summer dormant period, in order to ensure that the Christmas cactus can grow luxuriantly, fertilizer should be added in time. In late autumn, the number of fertilizer applications should be reduced, and fertilizing should be stopped in winter. A potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be sprayed on the leaves.

6. Diseases and pests: The main common pest of the Christmas cactus is red spider mite. After discovering this pest, immediately use medication to kill it. Generally, pharmacies will recommend which pesticide to use.

7. Pruning: The Christmas cactus grows relatively quickly. When the spread of the whole plant reaches more than 50cm, it should be pruned. Generally in spring, shorten the stem segments and thin out some aged and overly dense branches. Pruning should be done on sunny days.

8. Repotting: The Christmas cactus can be repotted once every 2 years, usually in March to April. Add a little organic fertilizer and loose soil to the bottom of the new pot, then when moving the Christmas cactus out of the old flower pot, be careful not to damage the roots. After the Christmas cactus is transplanted, just water it a little and place it in a ventilated spot.

Conclusion: The above are the cultivation methods for the crab claw flower. The Christmas cactus is still a very easy flower to grow. As long as you usually pay more attention to factors such as water, light and temperature, and use the right method to grow it, you can be sure your flower pots will not be able to hold it. If you want the Christmas cactus at home to grow more densely, or produce more flowers, you can choose to graft the Christmas cactus. After grafting, it is easier to care for and easily fills the pot.