How to Feed a Christmas Cactus. A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christmas cactus. Feed monthly during regular watering from late winter to late summer.
- When should I fertilize Christmas cactus?
- Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
- Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
- What is the best fertilizer for cactus?
- How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
- How do you force a Christmas cactus to bloom?
- Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
- Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?
- Why are the leaves of my Christmas cactus turning red?
- What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
- Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?
- How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
When should I fertilize Christmas cactus?
The feeding season of the Christmas cactus is the same as the growing season. This means that it will need to be fed right before it blooms, which should be about from April to October of the year.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. ... Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food. Give your Christmas cactus 6 weeks of extra darkness and lower temps to encourage blooming.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
It is fine that you add some coffee to your Christmas cactus but you should make sure the soil is the right type of soil to do this one with.
What is the best fertilizer for cactus?
Most cacti and succulents don't need a specific blend. They grow healthy and happy when fed with a highly diluted all-purpose fertilizer. However, a low-nitrogen content, water-soluble fertilizer is best suited for the job. Use a 5-10-10 blend or 10-10-10 fertilizer diluted to 1/4th strength.
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
In case you didn't remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.
How do you force a Christmas cactus to bloom?
In order to further force a Christmas cactus to bloom, you'll need to move the plant where it will receive about 12-14 hours of darkness. Bright, indirect light during the day is fine; however, Christmas cactus requires at least 12 hours of darkness at night in order to encourage bud development.
Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
Christmas Cactus Problems
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. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?
Location – Christmas cactus requires bright light during fall and winter, but too much direct light during the summer months may be the reason for Christmas cactus leaves turning purple on edges. Moving the plant to a more appropriate location may prevent sunburn and solve the problem.
Why are the leaves of my Christmas cactus turning red?
Red or purple-tinged foliage and wilting are two common symptoms of a magnesium deficiency, which is a common ailment in Christmas cacti. It occurs mainly during the winter months when feeding and watering are restricted and cold temperatures slow the plant's nutrient uptake.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
When selecting a pot for a Christmas cactus, be sure to choose one that has a drainage hole in the bottom. This helps to keep the soil from getting too wet. Christmas cacti grow well in most potting mixes that are formulated for succulents. The important thing is that your potting soil drains well.
Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?
Christmas cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, but do not apply the same week as regular fertilizer.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas Cactus are extremely popular when November and December roll around. I happen to like them even when they're not in bloom and think they make fine houseplants. But wait, did you know that they can repeat flower? Mine started re-blooming in February, so yes, Christmas Cactus do flower more than once a year.
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