Growing Christmas cactus in summer: prevent root rot by burying a handful of this in the soil, and the roots will grow like crazy and thick and strong
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a flowering plant that many people love, but anyone who has grown one knows that root rot is the most common problem. That is why many people like to graft the Christmas cactus onto a cactus or Pereskia, so that, by relying on the innate qualities of the rootstock, the Christmas cactus can grow even more vigorously.
But for a Christmas cactus that has not been grafted, preventing root rot is the most important thing in the current season. Add something to the soil to make it drain and breathe better and to boost its fertility, so the Christmas cactus roots grow like crazy and stay strong.
Add pine needles to the Christmas cactus's potting soil. Pine needles can adjust the soil's pH, making the soil acidic, because the Christmas cactus also likes acidic soil. They also increase drainage and aeration and reduce the chance of root rot in the Christmas cactus.
Add crushed eggshell powder to the Christmas cactus's pot. Eggshell powder is a slow-release phosphorus fertilizer; added to the soil, it makes the soil more fertile, promotes flower bud differentiation, increases the number of blooms, and also improves drainage and aeration, reducing the chance of root rot in the Christmas cactus.
Add river sand to the Christmas cactus's pot. It increases the soil's drainage and aeration, reduces the chance of the soil compacting, makes the Christmas cactus's roots grow strong, and reduces the chance of the roots rotting.
Add willow bark to the Christmas cactus's pot. Fully decomposed willow bark added to the Christmas cactus's soil can change the soil's pH, kill bacteria and insect eggs in the soil, prevent root rot, and also increase drainage and aeration and reduce waterlogging. It not only reduces the chance of the roots rotting but also makes the roots grow like crazy and become sturdy.
When caring for a Christmas cactus in summer, just pick any one of these and toss it into the potting soil, and the roots will grow like crazy and become sturdy.