What should you do if a potted Christmas cactus keeps getting root rot? Watering technique is key

The potted Christmas cactus, also known as crab claw orchid, fairy finger flower and so on, is a flower that is very easy to keep alive. Cut off a branch casually and bury it in soil, and it will take root and sprout. Graft it onto a rootstock, and it can grow new tender shoots, gradually filling the flower pot, and some can even form buds and bloom in the same year. Even if you are a bit lazy and do not water it for a month, it will still be full of energy, still full of vitality, and will not wither or droop.

However, for beginners, caring for the Christmas cactus also requires some technique, and the most critical part is watering. If done improperly, it can easily cause poor growth, or make the plant thin and short, or even cause root rot. In addition, watering too much at one time and too little at another can also easily cause flower and bud drop, or fewer flowers or smaller flowers, and flower quality will also be much worse.

For the Christmas cactus, the plant's own root system is very fragile, so you must be careful when watering and try not to water frequently. Generally speaking, in summer it is enough to water about once every three days. In winter, it is enough to water once a month. Also, after watering, place the plant in a ventilated environment so that root rot does not occur.

The Christmas cactus is not tolerant of waterlogging. If watered too much, it is extremely prone to root rot. Therefore, choosing the potting soil is also crucial, because root rot can easily be caused by too much watering or poor drainage. So the potting soil is best mixed with some peat or river sand.

When watering, it is better to err on the side of too little than too much. Do not let your enthusiasm run wild and water continuously. In spring and autumn, when it is slightly warmer, water only when the soil in the flower pot is almost dry. The principle of watering is "alternate dry and wet, dry means dry thoroughly, do not water when not dry, and water thoroughly when you do water."

In addition, it should also be noted that it is not suitable to spray water directly onto the leaves.