When to Repot Christmas Cactus Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.
- What is the best potting soil for Christmas cactus?
- What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
- Should you water Christmas cactus after repotting?
- How do you split and repot a Christmas cactus?
- Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
- What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
- When should I stop watering my Christmas cactus?
- When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
- When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
- Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
- Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?
- Should Christmas cactus be pruned?
What is the best potting soil for Christmas cactus?
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?
1. Select a new pot that is just 1 to 2 inches wider than the current one and has a drainage hole. 2. Fill the new container ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which provides excellent drainage and a little bit of food to help your Christmas cactus thrive right off the bat.
Should you water Christmas cactus 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.
How do you split and repot a Christmas cactus?
Some Cactus plants have only one stem and cannot be divided. If that is the problem, place plant into a larger pot with enough potting soil to bring the soil to about 1/2 inch below the top of the pot. Using fingers, sort of break the soil loose from the roots of the the plant, not too much, just to loosen the soil.
Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee. Find this Pin and more on Christmas cactus tips by Barbra Thelen-Byrnes.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.
When should I stop watering my Christmas cactus?
Beginning in October, water your Christmas cactus much less frequently. Once every four to six weeks is all it needs during this time of dormancy. When you see buds begin to form, go back to your regular watering schedule.
When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least 6-8 weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear. The plant should also be relocated at this time. Move the Christmas cactus to a sunny, draft-free area.
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.
Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?
The Christmas cactus can also be rooted in water. To try this method, you'll need a glass jar, some pebbles or stones, and a few cuttings from a healthy plant. The best way to root a Christmas cactus in water is: Like the dirt rooting method, start with between one and four cuttings.
Should Christmas cactus be pruned?
Pruning a Christmas cactus, large or small, will help it to grow fuller and bushier, which in turn results in more blooms in the future. The best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right after it has bloomed. At this time, the Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period and will start to put out new leaves.