Christmas cactus grows plump and chubby in 20 days, Grandpa's 3 secrets work better than fertilizing

Grandpa has no other hobby, he just loves plants and flowers, like pothos, spider plant, lucky bamboo, kalanchoe, Christmas cactus, clivia, money tree, and money tree, these common flowers he also grows, the balcony at home is almost too full to hold them. He grows his Christmas cactus especially beautifully, and when I pressed him for details, I learned these 3 secrets. Once you learn them, the Christmas cactus grows into a "chubby one" in 20 days, more effective than fertilizing!

Christmas cactus care secret one: in early autumn, pay attention to ventilation and cooling, water once a day and keep the potting soil moist. When the average daytime temperature drops to 27-28°C, the shade net can be removed and watering done once every 2-3 days. September to October is the key period for flower bud differentiation in Christmas cactus, so fertilization should focus on phosphorus fertilizer and control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer.

Christmas cactus care secret two: when potting up small seedlings, first put 1-2cm thick broken tile pieces or expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot as a drainage layer, then sprinkle a layer of fully decomposed organic fertilizer on top as a base fertilizer, about 1-2cm thick. Cover with another layer of soil, using a relatively fertile mixed soil of leaf mold, peat, and coarse sand, then place the plant in, keeping the fertilizer separate from the roots to avoid burning the roots. After potting, water thoroughly once and keep it in a slightly shaded environment for a week.

Christmas cactus care secret three: after the beginning of autumn each year, the plant wakes up from its summer dormancy and needs supplemental fertilizer. The simplest way to fertilize a Christmas cactus at home is to boil soybeans, then use chopsticks to poke small holes around the edge of the flower pot, put 2 to 3 cooked soybeans in each hole, and after covering them, let the soybeans ferment naturally to provide the plant with rich nutrients. Note that the fertilization spot must be far from the plant's roots, otherwise it will cause root burn.

Grafting can be done in both spring and autumn when it is relatively dry. If grafted during the rainy season, the cut is prone to rot. March-April and August-September are preferable. Choose a thick single pad of prickly pear cactus, a cactus ball, or a Hylocereus undatus (commonly known as triangular cactus) plant as the rootstock, because they are vigorous. Plant 1 per pot. Use the cleft grafting method: at the top of the rootstock, use a sharp knife sterilized with a 75% alcohol cotton ball to first make a flat cut, leave it for 2-3 days until the wound dries, then make a straight cut, with depth and width matching the cut surface of the scion.

Christmas cactus likes light and is also quite shade-tolerant, with low light requirements; indoor light is enough to maintain its normal growth. In summer, be sure to prevent direct sunlight, otherwise it will be greatly damaged. In other seasons, as long as it is placed in a bright spot such as near a window, it can grow very well. After blooming, place it in a cool place to extend the viewing period.

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