How to change the soil and pot of Christmas cactus

The role of changing soil and potting for Christmas cactus

The reason why the soil and pot are changed during the planting process of Christmas cactus is that the nutrients in the potting soil are gradually consumed after it has grown for one or two years. There is not enough nutrition, which affects its growth. It will only grow slower and weaker, so the pot and soil should be changed in time.

When changing the soil and potting of Christmas cactus, you should use fertile soil, preferably a mixture of leaf mold and coal slag. Water it appropriately, once every 3 days, and fertilize it frequently, preferably once every 20 days. Also ensure sufficient light, but do not expose it to strong light.

How to change soil and pot for Christmas cactus

Removal from the pot : Stop watering the Christmas cactus for a week before changing the soil or pot. This will make it easier to remove from the pot and will not easily damage the root system. If there are rotten areas after removing from the pot, cut off the rotten areas and apply carbendazim powder.

Prepare the soil : It is best to mix fertile sandy loam, humus soil and peat soil for Christmas cactus. It is best to add a small amount of base fertilizer to increase air permeability and drainage. This will not only help the spider cactus to breathe, but also provide it with nutrients.

Planting : Before planting Christmas cactus in a pot, you need to remove some of the original soil on the roots of the plant. You also need to trim the roots, cut off some dead and diseased roots, let them dry for a while, and then plant them directly in the prepared potting soil.

Maintenance of Christmas cactus after soil change

Watering : After changing the soil of Christmas cactus, you need to water it immediately to keep the soil in the pot slightly moist, but don't water it too frequently, otherwise the roots will easily rot. You can spray it with water more often.

Fertilization : Do not apply fertilizer to Christmas cactus after changing the soil, which will damage the root system. You must wait until it has adapted to the pot before applying fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer can be used, which is easier to absorb.

Pruning : After changing the soil of Christmas cactus, yellow leaves will appear. In order to prevent them from spreading, they should be pruned clean as soon as possible. In addition, part of the root system should be pruned off, which will make it grow faster.

Light : Christmas cactus cannot be exposed to strong or long-term light immediately after the soil is changed. It is best to place it in a ventilated and cool place for a period of time, and then slowly expose it to light after the plant has adapted to the pot.