The Latest Cultivation Methods and Precautions for the Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a plant of the genus Schlumbergera in the cactus family, and its anti-radiation effect is also very strong, so it is loved and welcomed by the general public, and many people who sit by computers often keep a pot of it. So how should the Christmas cactus be cultivated? Follow the editor to take a look.
I. Cultivation Methods
1. Soil
How to grow a potted Christmas cactus? First of all, you need to choose the soil. Although many people like to buy potted plants directly for cultivation, and although they come with soil, you still need to prepare soil yourself when repotting. According to the growth habits of the Christmas cactus, you can choose fertile, loose soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage.
2. Temperature
When cultivating the Christmas cactus indoors, the temperature must first be well regulated. If it is kept between 19-32 degrees, the Christmas cactus will grow very well. In addition, the Christmas cactus is fairly cold-tolerant and can grow normally at low temperatures of 1-2 degrees.
3. Light
When cultivating the Christmas cactus, light is something to pay attention to. For many beginners, they neglect the importance of light to the Christmas cactus during cultivation and keep it indoors all the time, which is wrong. The Christmas cactus likes sunlight and is slightly shade-tolerant. It can be cultivated indoors, but it needs sunlight every day.
4. Watering
During the cultivation of the Christmas cactus, watering is essential. Although the Christmas cactus itself is fairly drought-tolerant, it also needs sufficient water during the growing season, so we should water it frequently, but remember not to overwater. In addition, during the low-temperature dormant period in winter, water less as well, and it is best to keep the potting soil on the dry side.
5. Fertilizing
The Christmas cactus does not like heavy fertilizer. Fertilizing should be mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Generally, applying a thin fertilizer once a week is enough. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, use phosphorus and potassium fertilizer appropriately a few times, and avoid rain exposure after winter begins.
6. Repotting and Pruning
During cultivation, repot once every 2 years. When repotting, you can combine it with pruning, thinning out overly dense branches, and cutting back the remaining branches. Note that spraying lime sulfur mixture after pruning can reduce damage from pathogens.
II. Precautions
The Christmas cactus grows poorly in sticky soil, so you must pay attention when choosing soil. In addition, you can mix 20%-30% river sand into the pot to increase permeability and drainage. In the high-temperature season in summer, appropriate shading and ventilation are needed to prevent the stem segments from shrinking and turning yellow and withering. At the same time, red spider mites must be prevented, and low-temperature freezing damage must also be prevented in winter. When the plant enters the dormant period in winter, water less at this time to avoid water accumulation and root rot. In addition, during cultivation, due to various reasons, the plant will inevitably suffer from pests and diseases. At this time, everyone should focus on prevention, with special attention to the control of scale insects and stem rot.
The above is an introduction to the cultivation methods and precautions for the Christmas cactus. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.