Watering Christmas cactus like this in summer keeps the leaves thick during dormancy and brings a burst of blooms in autumn

When the temperature goes above 30 degrees in summer, the Christmas cactus enters a dormant or semi-dormant state, so how should we care for it at this time to help it get safely through the summer?

When the temperature is above 30 degrees, the roots of the Christmas cactus absorb nutrients slowly and need little water or fertilizer. At this time we should reduce the frequency of watering and keep the potting soil slightly moist, because the roots are not failing to grow, they are just growing slowly, and they still need to absorb a certain amount of water to maintain the thickness of the leaves. However, do not water too much; if you water too much, the plant cannot absorb it and waterlogging and root rot easily occur

When the potting soil of the Christmas cactus has dried out, water it thoroughly, put it in a well-ventilated spot, let it dry out quickly to the half-dry stage, then move it to a spot with bright, indirect light and good ventilation, and leave it alone. Let it rest quietly there, and when the potting soil dries out again, water it the same way, and it can get safely through the dormant period

Be sure to put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and good ventilation

Grafted Christmas cacti get through the dormant period more easily, because their rootstock does not go dormant. Whether it is grafted onto a cactus or onto Pereskia, as long as you care for it in summer according to the growing habits of the rootstock, you can maintain the thickness of the Christmas cactus leaves and get it safely through the dormant period

However, do not let the light be too strong, as it can easily scorch the leaves

With this careful care, by autumn the leaves of the Christmas cactus will not wilt and will still be thick, and with the addition of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, flower buds will quickly cover the whole pot

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