How do you grow Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) so it bursts with blooms? A few tricks to keep flower buds coming
Christmas cactus is a potted flowering plant with extremely high ornamental value. To make it burst with blooms, you need to master the right methods and meet its growing needs according to its habits. Let's take a look below!
(1). Suitable soil
The suitable soil environment for Christmas cactus has a pH of 5.5~6.5. It needs loose, fertile soil with good permeability and drainage. We can mix leaf mold, peat and coarse sand, or simply buy a dedicated soil mix.
(2). Temperature control
The optimum temperature during the growing period of Christmas cactus is 18~23°C, and the suitable temperature for flowering is 10~15°C. It must not exceed 25°C, and in winter the temperature must not be lower than 10°C, otherwise it will suffer frost damage. Christmas cactus likes a warm and humid environment. Keeping it in suitable conditions lets the plant grow and bloom better. In summer and winter, you need to take measures for shading and cooling in summer and keeping it warm in winter, which helps it grow vigorously.
(3). Light control
Christmas cactus is a short-day plant and only forms buds and blooms under short-day conditions. In daily care it needs sufficient light to meet its growth needs, but we also need to control the light, especially in summer, when the light must not be too strong. In summer you need to provide shade; with 50% shading, the leaf color becomes even more beautiful. In spring and autumn, care for it normally with sufficient light so it can photosynthesize and accumulate nutrients. In winter, move it indoors to a bright spot for care, otherwise the leaves will grow thin and yellow.
(4). Reasonable watering
Christmas cactus likes a humid environment. Water it to meet its growth needs, but do not let water accumulate, otherwise root rot will affect growth and flowering, and the plant may even die. Observe the dryness and moisture of the soil and water reasonably, and often spray a suitable amount of water on its leaves to promote growth. The watering principle is "alternate dry and wet, dry means dry thoroughly, do not water when not dry, and water thoroughly when you do".
(5). Reasonable fertilizing
Fertilizing is the key to making Christmas cactus burst with blooms. The fertilizing principle is light fertilizer applied frequently. During the spring growing period, fertilize once every 10 days. You can choose a dilute liquid fertilizer. Avoid concentrated fertilizer and raw fertilizer. Combining fertilizing with watering lets the plant absorb nutrients more fully.