What are the cultivation methods and precautions for grafted Christmas cactus

Introduction to Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus is a plant of the cactus family. It has hanging stems, flat young stems and woody old stems. The flowers are solitary at the top of the branches, with several whorls of corollas and pear-shaped berries. It blooms from October to February of the following year. It is often propagated by grafting, preferably in May-June and September-October.

Cultivation method of grafted Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus likes a cool, warm and slightly dry environment. It is afraid of the high temperature in summer and is relatively shade-tolerant. The suitable growth temperature is 20-25 degrees. The winter temperature needs to be around 15 degrees. It likes a loose, organic-rich, well-drained and breathable substrate. The daily light time is best around 8-10 hours.

Don't rush to expose the Christmas cactus to sunlight after it has just been grafted. Don't rush to water it at this time. It is best to keep it in semi-shade. After the growth is stable, gradually increase the light and watering. Provide a temperature of about 15-25℃. It should not be lower than 5℃ in winter. Apply fertilizer regularly during the growing season, stop fertilizing in summer, and increase phosphorus fertilizer in autumn. Pay attention to regular pruning, and you can also put up a rack to allow the plant to grow smoothly.

Watering method

Grafted Christmas cactus is more drought-resistant, so do not water it too much. You can spray water around the plant to increase the air humidity and keep the soil moist during the growth period. Control watering in the winter when the temperatures are low.

Fertilization method

Grafted Christmas cactus is a fertilizer-loving plant. The fertilizer should be mainly nitrogen, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium. In autumn, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied, and a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be added until it blooms. There will be a dormant period in midsummer, and fertilizers should be added in time. You can also spray potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the leaves.

Pruning methods

The grafted Christmas cactus grows relatively fast and needs to be pruned in the spring to control the plant shape. The weaker and denser nodes also need to be removed. After thinning and pruning, more new stems will grow.

Precautions for grafting Christmas cactus cultivation

Grafted Christmas cactus is suitable for planting in loose, organic-rich, well-drained and breathable soil. The indoor temperature should be around 25 degrees, the winter temperature should be around 15 degrees, the temperature during flowering should be between 10-15 degrees, and it should be moved to a place with scattered light for maintenance. The plants often suffer from anthracnose, rot and leaf blight, and should be pulled out and burned.