How to care for Christmas cactus in winter? A detailed guide to the latest care methods
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a cactus family plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. In our country it is mostly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and flower nurseries. Everyone knows that tropical plants are usually not cold-tolerant, and the Christmas cactus is the same, so in our country, especially in the northern regions, how should the Christmas cactus overwinter? Today Qinnong Net will introduce to you how to care for the Christmas cactus in winter, and see how this tropical plant can safely overwinter in our country.
1. Temperature
The Christmas cactus is not cold-tolerant. Its most suitable temperature during the growing period is 20°C to 25°C, and the lowest winter temperature must not fall below 10°C, otherwise there is a risk of cold damage. Therefore, as winter arrives and the temperature gradually drops, the Christmas cactus should be moved indoors in time, keeping the indoor temperature above 20°C. During the flowering period, the temperature can be appropriately lowered to 10°C to 15°C. Lowering the temperature requires a certain process; do not cause too great a temperature difference within a single day.
2. Light
Winter is the flowering period of the Christmas cactus. To make the plant bloom healthily, it must be given sufficient light, maintaining 8 to 10 hours of light per day, which can ensure the normal development of flower buds. At the same time, the flower pot should also be turned frequently so that all sides of the Christmas cactus grow evenly.
3. Watering
The Christmas cactus relatively likes a moist environment, but sometimes it encounters a rootstock that likes drought. The principle of preferring dryness over moisture should be observed; there must be no standing water in the flower pot, especially in winter, when water evaporates slowly. Once watering is excessive, it easily forms standing water, which can easily lead to root rot. It is usually recommended to water once a week, but during the plant's flowering period, water can often be sprayed on the Christmas cactus to keep the flower stems moist.
4. Fertilizing
Unlike most flowers, winter is the flowering period of the Christmas cactus rather than a dormant period, so in winter the Christmas cactus needs sufficient nutrients. Winter fertilizing is mainly phosphorus fertilizer, applying decomposed liquid fertilizer every 7 to 10 days. Alternatively, spray the leaves with potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution to ensure the normal growth of flower buds. Once entering the flowering period, to ensure continuous blooming, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every 10 to 15 days.
5. Pruning
The Christmas cactus is usually grown at home by grafting. Such plants grow more vigorously, but at the same time poor development and disease may also occur. When the density of the plant's branches is too great, they can be appropriately thinned to ensure that each stem segment has one healthiest and largest flower bud, and the other buds and flower buds are cut off. This helps reduce the loss of nutrients and makes the plant's flowers bloom more brilliantly.
The above is the winter care method for the Christmas cactus brought to you by Qinnong Net. Winter is the flowering period of the Christmas cactus. After a whole year of growing, when it comes time to harvest at the end, the care at this time must not be neglected. In winter, the Christmas cactus may very likely become wilted or produce small flowers or few flowers. At this time, you should comprehensively consider where the problem in your care routine lies, and do not blindly add fertilizer and water.