What are the cultivation methods and precautions of Christmas cactus

Growth habits of Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus likes warm and humid semi-shady environment, and is not cold-resistant. It is best to move it indoors in winter. The minimum temperature cannot be lower than 10℃, and the most suitable temperature during its growth period is 20~25℃. It needs shaded and humid environmental conditions during growth and development, and can only bud and bloom under short-day conditions.

How to grow Christmas cactus

Soil: Christmas cactus likes loose, fertile, air-permeable and well-drained slightly acidic soil. When cultivating, coarse sand, rotten leaves and peat soil can be mixed in a certain proportion to form a nutritious soil suitable for plant growth.

Light: Christmas cactus generally grows in a semi-shaded environment, avoiding direct sunlight. Shade measures need to be taken in midsummer. In spring and autumn, the light is weak, and appropriate scattered light can be given to ensure normal photosynthesis of the plant.

Temperature: The temperature should be kept at around 23°C. In summer, the temperature is too high and should not exceed 33°C. Cooling measures should be taken. In winter, the temperature is low and needs to be controlled above 10°C. Insulation should be done in advance.

Watering: Christmas cactus should be watered less frequently and the water needs to be drained in time to prevent root rot. During the growth period of the plant, the soil in the pot needs to be kept moist. When the air is dry, you can spray it appropriately to increase the air humidity.

Fertilization: Fertilization for Christmas cactus should be done in thin and frequent fertilizers, not thick fertilizers. When fertilizing, use a fine-mouthed spray bottle to slowly apply fertilizer along the edge of the pot. Do not splash the fertilizer liquid onto the leaves, otherwise it will easily burn them.

Things to note when growing Christmas cactus

When the Christmas cactus plant grows larger, it tends to be top-heavy and needs to be supported by a frame, which can be supported by wire or other materials.

After the Christmas cactus flower dies, the withered flowers should be cut off together with the flowering stem nodes at the end, and attention should be paid to water control. After new buds grow out, water can be added to keep the soil in the pot moist.