How to fertilize a Christmas cactus? Keep these 6 points in mind for a pot full of blooms

The Christmas cactus has a long flowering period and tender green stems and leaves, making it a great helper for decorating the home. So how should you fertilize a Christmas cactus? Here is an introduction for you!

Fertilizing methods for Christmas cactus

(1). Generally, fertilize the Christmas cactus once every 15 days. During the growing season, apply a dilute nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth, and apply a phosphorus fertilizer before flowering.

(2). After the flowers fade, the plant enters a short dormant period, during which fertilization should be paused. Once new branches appear, resume normal fertilization.

Apply a dilute nitrogen fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Do not pour it onto the leaves, otherwise it will affect stem growth.

During bud formation, apply a dilute phosphorus fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks, and pause fertilization during the flowering period.

(3). Base fertilizer when repotting: repot the Christmas cactus once every 2 years, in March to April.

To prepare the base fertilizer for repotting, first spread a layer of coarse sand granules on the bottom of the pot, about 3cm, for better drainage.

A small amount of decomposed animal manure can be added to the soil to make it fertile. Do not place the fertilizer too close to the roots, as it can easily cause fertilizer burn.

(4). For the Christmas cactus, you can fertilize first and then water; watering afterward can rinse off any fertilizer remaining on the leaf surface.

(5). Pay attention to supplementing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for the Christmas cactus to keep its leaf color attractive.

(6). Do not fertilize after grafting propagation. Place it in a cool, shaded spot. After 1 week, once the cut is completely dry, apply liquid fertilizer and then water.