How does Christmas cactus survive the summer?

Summer is the dormant period of Christmas cactus, and maintenance at this time is particularly critical. When the temperature continues to exceed 30 degrees, the growth of Christmas cactus will slow down and the leaves will no longer grow, which is a sign that it is about to enter a dormant state. Let’s learn how Christmas cactus survives the summer.

1. Ventilation

Place the Christmas cactus in a well-ventilated area to prevent leaf drop. A hot, unventilated environment can cause problems for your plants.

2. Shade

Provide appropriate shade to avoid 50% to 70% direct sunlight, reduce water evaporation and nutrient consumption, and prevent leaves from wilting due to strong light.

3. Stop fertilizing

During the dormant period, Christmas cactus's demand for fertilizer decreases, and fertilization should be stopped to avoid fertilizer damage.

4. Reasonable watering

When watering in summer, you should observe the condition of the leaves. When the leaves become slightly soft, it means that the soil in the pot is dry and the roots are lacking water. Choose to water at night when ventilation is good, use the lower temperature at night to allow the plants to absorb water, and let the wind evaporate some of the water at night, avoiding water droplets on the leaves in the morning and reducing the occurrence of diseases.

5. Pruning

When growth stops at high temperatures, trim off some smaller leaves appropriately to reduce water evaporation.

6. Soil and pots

Make sure the soil you use has good air permeability, choose a pot of appropriate size, and avoid using a pot that is too large to ensure that the soil will not be too wet for a long time after watering.

The above are the key points for Christmas cactus to survive the summer safely. By following these summer maintenance principles, Christmas cactus can safely pass through the dormancy period and lay a good foundation for growth and flowering in autumn.