What fertilizer is best for Christmas cactus?

Christmas cactus is a plant that is loved by everyone. Its leaves are emerald green and it blooms continuously in winter, making it very suitable for home decoration. However, many flower lovers found that the number of Christmas cactus flowers decreased significantly after caring for it for a period of time. So what is the best fertilizer for Christmas cactus? Let’s take a look below.

1. What fertilizer is best for Christmas cactus?

1. Balanced fertilizer: Choose a balanced, complete nutrient fertilizer, such as liquid or granular fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This fertilizer provides the various nutrients that Christmas cactus needs and promotes overall health and growth.

2. Special orchid fertilizer: Christmas cactus can also choose fertilizers specifically for orchids. These fertilizers are usually equipped with rich trace elements to meet the orchid's needs for specific nutrients. Use this type of orchid fertilizer according to the directions on the package .

3. Well-rotted organic fertilizer : Christmas cactus can also benefit from natural organic fertilizers, such as well-rotted compost, fish fertilizer water or sargassum. These organic fertilizers can improve soil texture and provide slow-release nutrients that plants need.

2. Maintenance tips for Christmas cactus

1. Light management: Christmas cactus likes bright light, but needs to avoid excessive exposure to strong sunlight. Place in a bright location indoors, such as next to a window, or choose a semi-shaded spot outdoors. Keep in plenty of sunlight but avoid direct sunlight.

2. Temperature control: Christmas cactus grows well in a warm environment, with an ideal temperature range of 15°C to 25°C. During the high temperatures of summer, make sure the plants are not exposed to excessive heat and maintain a suitable temperature to help promote flowering.

3. Water moderately: Christmas cactus is a succulent plant and likes to maintain moderate moisture. During the growing period, keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering and waterlogging. Make sure the top layer of soil is dry before watering, then water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry before watering again.

4. Nutrition supply: Apply appropriate amounts of fertilizers suitable for succulents, such as phosphorus and potassium fertilizers with lower nitrogen content. During the growing season, fertilize once a month, but avoid over-fertilizing.

5. Control light and temperature to promote flowering: The flowering of Christmas cactus is affected by light and temperature. To stimulate flowering, lower temperatures and photoperiods in the fall to mimic natural environmental changes. Keeping the plant in a cooler location and making sure to provide ample darkness at night will help it to bloom.

6. Pay attention to the dormant period: Christmas cactus usually enters a dormant period in autumn. At this time, watering and fertilizing should be reduced to provide the plant with a chance to rest and recover.

That’s it