Fellow gardening enthusiasts, are you struggling with how to water your Christmas cactus at home? Don't worry, today I'll give you a detailed explanation on how to water this little guy to help it grow lush and bloom beautifully!
Are you watering your Christmas cactus correctly?
Did you know, this little Christmas cactus is actually a bit "picky" and has high demands for water. If you're not careful, it might stage a "leaf-dropping campaign" for you. Don't worry, follow me, step by step, and I'll guarantee your Christmas cactus gets enough water and grows strong!
In winter and spring, water a little "slower"
During winter and spring, the weather is a bit cold. At this time, watering it once every 7 to 10 days should be about right. Remember to water when the soil is almost dry, don't let the soil get too wet, otherwise the Christmas cactus will be uncomfortable. When you water, water thoroughly, but don't let water stay in the soil. Let it dry out completely before watering again.
When summer comes, water a little "more frequently"
As soon as summer arrives, the Christmas cactus starts to "act up". At this time, you should probably apply a dilute liquid fertilizer every 10 to 14 days. When summer officially arrives, remember to move it to a well-ventilated and shady spot. During high temperatures, its growth will slow down, so you should water less, but you can mist it 2 to 3 times a day to keep the stems and buds moist. But don't overwater it, or it might get root rot!
During the budding stage, water a little "lighter"During the budding stage, although you don't need to water too much, you need to mist it frequently to keep the stems and buds moist. The best temperature during the flowering period is between 10 and 15°C. After the flowers fade, it enters a short dormancy period. At this time, you should water less, and you can even temporarily stop fertilizing. Cut off the withered flowers and wait for new shoots to grow before resuming normal watering.
When autumn arrives, water a little "more generously"In autumn, the Christmas cactus is ready to put on a big show. At this time, you need to water it more, especially with fertilizer water, once a week, and apply 1 to 2 more applications of phosphate fertilizer before it blooms. To help flower buds form better and for the flowers to be more vibrant, you need to provide it with ample nutrients. The abundant sunlight in autumn is perfect for promoting flower bud differentiation.
Christmas cactus is dropping leaves, it might be for these reasons!1. Overwatering: Christmas cactus belongs to the cactus family, it is drought-tolerant and fears waterlogging. The soil should just be kept slightly dry. It can't tolerate too much water.
2. Low temperature: The suitable growing temperature for Christmas cactus is between 20 and 25°C. If the temperature is too low, it will also drop leaves.
3. Over-fertilizing: If you fertilize too much, the Christmas cactus will also protest, and dropping leaves is one of its ways of protesting.
Christmas Cactus Watering Tips to Help You Grow It Easily1. Observe the soil: Touch the soil with your hand and water it when it feels a bit dry.
2. Water thoroughly: Water thoroughly to allow the soil to fully absorb the water.3. Mist to maintain moisture: In summer and during the budding stage, you can mist it appropriately to keep the air humid.
4. Fertilize reasonably: Fertilize reasonably according to the growth stage, and don't overdo it.
Growing a Christmas cactus isn't that difficult. As long as you master the little tricks of watering, it will grow beautiful and healthy. Come on and give it a try, let your Christmas cactus become a bright landscape in your home!