What causes the Christmas cactus to drop its leaves?

The Christmas cactus drops its leaves because of prolonged exposure to strong sun, severe fertilizer burn, high or low temperatures, and waterlogging in the potting soil. Place it in a position with fairly abundant light, apply a decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 10 days during the spring and autumn growing season, keep the most suitable growing temperature between 19-32 degrees, and when the potting soil is dry, water moderately to keep the environment slightly moist.

Reasons for the Christmas cactus dropping its leaves

1. Prolonged exposure to strong sun

The Christmas cactus drops its leaves because of prolonged exposure to strong sun or being in a dark, lightless environment, so when growing it, place it in a position with fairly abundant light, which promotes photosynthesis and helps the branches and leaves grow lush and green. In summer, when the light is fairly intense, you can place it in a diffused-light environment.

2. Severe fertilizer burn

The Christmas cactus drops its leaves because of long-term excessive fertilizing, so you must fertilize regularly and in the right amount. For example, during the spring and autumn growing season, apply a decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 10 days, apply a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer before the flowering period, spray an appropriate amount of 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, and stop fertilizing after flowering.

3. High or low temperatures

The Christmas cactus drops its leaves because of prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures, since its most suitable growing temperature is between 19-32 degrees, so in summer when the temperature is high you can place it in a cool, ventilated spot, and in winter when the temperature is low you can move it to a heated or south-facing indoor area, keeping the growing temperature between 7-14 degrees.

4. Waterlogging

The Christmas cactus drops its leaves because of severe waterlogging in the potting soil, so during the growing season and flowering period you need to water moderately, since it does not need that much water; when the potting soil is dry, water moderately to keep the environment slightly moist. Be sure there is never any waterlogging, otherwise the roots will rot and the branches and leaves will wither and fall off.