Table of Contents
What kind of soil does a Christmas cactus need?
Having said that, I have seen Christmas cacti growing very well in garden soil used as potting soil. The ideal potting soil will contain a high proportion of organic matter such as peat or well-decomposed compost. Addition of coarse sand, or even aquarium gravel, will provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
ANSWER: Christmas cacti are well suited to clay pots due to their quickly-draining nature. Clay is a porous material, which provides good air circulation and conductive conditions.
How do you repot a Christmas cactus?
Remove the plant from its pot, along with the surrounding soil ball, and gently loosen the roots. If the potting mix is compacted, gently wash it away from the roots with a little water. Replant the Christmas cactus in the new pot so the top of the root ball is about an inch (2.5 cm.) below the rim of the pot.
When’s the best time to repot a Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus should be repotted after its blooming ends, but you don’t need to rush the process, according to Keira Kay, Bloom & Wild plant expert. She says: ‘Christmas cactus should be repotted soon after the plant has stopped blooming, and the flowers have wilted, typically in late winter or early spring.
Can I use regular potting soil for Christmas cactus?
The easiest medium requires three parts regular potting soil mixed with two parts perlite. This will provide perfectly adequate drainage. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the soil is dry – try not to let the soil dry out completely, but don’t let water stand in the pot or the saucer underneath.
Can I use potting soil for cactus?
Cactus potting soil is available in most nurseries and garden centers. It forms a better basis for cactus roots than regular soil and keeps roots and stems from sitting in moisture, which can cause rot. The right planting mix for cactus plants has superior drainage and will dry out quickly after watering.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Poor drainage and soggy roots can make Christmas cactus very limp.
What is the best way to repot a cactus?
Shake off the old soil and plant the cactus at the same depth it was growing in the old soil. Fill in around the roots with your medium and place it in a sunny southeast or east window. Among important repotting cactus tips is to not water the plant yet, as it is adjusting to being handled and new soil conditions.
Do Christmas cactus like to be root bound?
Christmas Cactuses actually like to have their roots sort of crowded. This is a struggle for plant parents because it’s tough to prevent them from becoming root bound when they actually grow best in a crowded pot.
Should I water my Christmas cactus after repotting?
Water Sparingly After Repotting Water the Christmas cactus lightly for two or three weeks after repotting, providing just enough moisture to keep the potting mix slightly moist. This provides time for new roots to develop and become anchored in the potting mix. Thereafter, resume the plant’s normal watering schedule.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
How often do you water a Christmas cactus indoors?
How to Care for Christmas Cacti. Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
Are Easter and Christmas cactus the same?
The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped. The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerrii) has very rounded edges which are centralized on the leaf.
Should I mist Christmas cactus?
Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch.
Can you use Miracle Grow on a cactus?
Whether indoors or out, grow in bright light. Plant your potted cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Feed with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food for indoor cacti, or Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for outdoor plants. Don’t prune or over-water your cactus.
Do Christmas cactus need a lot of sun?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. Avoid placing the plant where it receives either cold or hot air drafts. Placing the Christmas cactus on the window sill in a cool room and not turning on the lights is all that’s needed.
