Guide To Christmas Cactus Feeding - Best Fertilizer For Christmas Cacti

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.

1. How do you fertilize Christmas cactus?
2. How often do you fertilize a Christmas cactus?
3. Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
4. Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
5. Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming?
6. How do you force a Christmas cactus to bloom?
7. How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
8. Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
9. When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
10. Do Christmas cactus like to be root bound?
11. Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?
12. Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?
13. How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
14. Can you put a Christmas cactus outside during the summer?
15. Should I prune my Christmas cactus?
16. What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
17. How do you root a broken piece of cactus?
18. How long do Christmas cactus live?
19. How do I get my Christmas cactus to bloom in December?
20. Why are my Christmas cactus leaves turning purple?

How do you fertilize Christmas cactus?

Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements. Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants.

How often do you fertilize a Christmas cactus?

After blooming, fertilize the plant every month beginning when you see new growth at the end of winter or the first of spring. Feed a Christmas cactus with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water to 50% strength.

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?

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.

Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming?

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. ... Stop fertilizing in late summer or flower production may suffer. There is no need to fertilize in winter, as the plant is not actively growing.

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.

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.

Why is 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. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.

When should I repot my Christmas cactus?

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.

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.

Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?

To root a piece of Christmas cactus in water, you will need a few cuttings from a healthy Christmas cactus, a glass jar, and some pebbles or stones. ... If water levels evaporate, fill the jar back up to the appropriate level. Once you see roots form, it is okay to move the cuttings into soil.

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.

Can you put a Christmas cactus outside during the summer?

Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. ... During summer, water to keep the growing mix moist after it dries on top.

Should I prune my Christmas cactus?

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.

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.

How do you root a broken piece of cactus?

If it is crooked or broke, use a sharp knife to make a fresh cut to even the end out. Set the broken piece aside for a few days to allow the wound to callous over in preparation for rooting. Make sure the cut end is dry and sealed over before you proceed to root it.

How long do Christmas cactus live?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when properly cared for, Christmas cacti can live for 20 to 30 years. If you provide long nights starting around October 1st, you can force the Christmas cactus to bloom year after year. Cool night temperatures can also encourage it to bloom.

How do I get my Christmas cactus to bloom in December?

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.

Why are my Christmas cactus leaves 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.