What to Do When Christmas Cactus Leaves Become Thin and Soft? Causes and Solutions
The Christmas cactus is not only beautiful when in bloom, but it also blooms very easily and has a relatively long flowering period, which makes it quite popular. However, anyone who has grown one knows that the Christmas cactus often develops thin, soft leaves. What is going on here? Let's find out together.
1. Lack of water
The Christmas cactus is a type of succulent, and its leaves are where it stores nutrients and water. If they become soft and thin, it is very likely caused by a lack of water. When we notice the Christmas cactus leaves getting thinner and thinner, we can observe carefully: if many small white whiskers have grown at the joints of the leaves, these whiskers are not something that normally grows. They are actually aerial roots of the Christmas cactus, appearing specifically to absorb moisture from the air because the root system cannot get water from the soil.
Solution: So at this point you need to water promptly to replenish moisture. When watering, also pay attention: water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. After watering, remember to drain away the water at the bottom of the pot so there is no standing water. After watering, place it in a bright spot, but it must not receive direct sunlight, especially in summer. During normal care, you can mist it with water from time to time to keep it moist.
2. Root rot
If the flower pot has no drainage holes and the soil has already become compacted, then what is causing the Christmas cactus leaves to become thin may be that its root system has already rotted. In a closed environment, the root system of the Christmas cactus cannot breathe normally, eventually rots, and loses its ability to absorb; when the leaves lack water, they become thin.
Solution: At this point the best method is to repot and change the soil, choosing a flower pot with drainage holes. Take the Christmas cactus out, shake off the original soil, cut away the rotted roots, and then repot it in loose, breathable soil.
3. Lack of fertilizer
Spring is the growing season for the Christmas cactus, and it is also the time when it needs to maintain energy. At this time its leaves will also become as thin as paper, and we need to supplement it with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer nutrients. We can find relevant horticultural nutrient solutions in shops, ones that contain the three nutrient elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When using the nutrient solution, generally mix 28 ml of nutrient solution into 4 L of water and stir evenly. When fertilizing, first spray the leaf surface with water to keep the leaves just moist, then directly water the roots until water flows out from the bottom of the pot, generally once every 1-2 weeks.
The above is an introduction to the causes and solutions for Christmas cactus leaves becoming thin and soft. We hope it helps you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.