How to grow Christmas cactus? Master these care methods
When caring for the flowering Christmas cactus, pay attention to controlling temperature, fertilizing adequately, preventing diseases, and daily light duration. The suitable temperature for Christmas cactus in summer is 20-25°C, and in winter 15-18°C. During the growing period it needs more fertilizer, and no fertilizer is needed during the flowering period. It needs 6-8 hours of light.
Care methods for the flowering Christmas cactus
1. Control temperature
Christmas cactus likes warm and humid environments and is an ornamental flowering plant. What is it like? The suitable temperature for Christmas cactus in summer is 20-25°C, and when the temperature is high it enters a semi-dormant state. The suitable temperature in winter is 15-18°C. When the temperature drops to 10°C, it needs to be moved indoors for cultivation and warming treatment.
2. Fertilize adequately
During the growing period, Christmas cactus has a high demand for fertilizer and needs fertilizing once every half month, and normally once a week. No fertilizer is needed during the flowering period. Apply a little fertilizer each time. Thin nitrogen fertilizer can be applied, but chemical fertilizer must not be used. Chemical fertilizer has high concentration and will corrode the roots of Christmas cactus.
3. Light duration
Christmas cactus is a short-day flowering plant. During the flowering period it needs 6-8 hours of light every day, and at other times it does not need too much light. In summer it needs to be placed in a location without sunlight and with ventilation. Christmas cactus likes loose, breathable, slightly acidic soil, so the soil needs to be changed once every half year.
4. Prevent diseases
Christmas cactus may suffer from leaf blight and anthracnose. When it suffers from these two diseases, the leaves of Christmas cactus will turn yellow and grow brown spots. If this is found, spraying fungicide or carbendazim solution can treat it. Spray once a week, three times in total.