How to grow Christmas cactus so that it blooms continuously?

Schlumbergera is an epiphytic plant of the Cactaceae family. It is a succulent plant native to Brazil, famous for its unique flowers and elegant posture. It is a favorite indoor ornamental plant for many people. So how to grow Christmas cactus so that it blooms continuously? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Soil selection

Christmas cactus likes fertile, loose, well-drained soil. When preparing potting soil, you can choose a mixture of leaf mold, peat, and coarse sand, and add an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer . Such soil can not only provide sufficient nutrients, but also maintain good air permeability and drainage, which is conducive to the growth of Christmas cactus.

2. Light temperature

Christmas cactus likes to grow in a semi-shaded environment and is afraid of high temperatures. Therefore, in summer, it is necessary to provide shade for Christmas cactus in time. The suitable temperature range for its growth is 15-24℃. It has strong adaptability to temperature changes, but should avoid exposure to extremely cold or extremely hot environments.

3. Watering tips

Schlumbergera is an epiphytic cactus and often grows on trees or moist valleys in its natural environment. Therefore, its cultivation environment requires a semi-shaded and humid environment, but the soil in the pot cannot be too wet. When watering, follow the principle of "water thoroughly when the soil is dry". In the hot season, water every 2 to 3 days and avoid watering at noon. The temperature is lower in winter, so you can water the plants once a week, but avoid watering in the evening.

4. Fertilization method

Usually, top dressing can begin after Christmas cactus sprouts, and liquid fertilizer should be applied every half a month during the growing period. After winter, the frequency and amount of fertilization should be reduced. When applying fertilizer, it is best to apply it along the edge of the pot, and be careful not to let the fertilizer touch the leaves, otherwise leaf burns may easily occur.

5. Proper pruning

Christmas cactus grows relatively fast. Generally, its crown width can reach more than 50 cm after 3-5 years of cultivation. In order to control the plant shape, it is usually necessary to pay attention to shortening the stem nodes in spring and remove the weaker or too dense stem nodes. After thinning and shortening, the new stems that grow will be green and stronger.

6. Change the soil regularly

When growing Christmas cactus, you should pay attention to changing the soil regularly. It is best to change the soil once every 1-2 years and also combine it with root pruning. If the soil is not changed for a long time, it will become hardened and hinder root breathing.

In general, the flowers of Christmas cactus bloom densely, often forming beautiful clusters of flowers, giving people a festive atmosphere. However, it is not easy to grow these beautiful flowers. You have to focus on maintenance work such as water, fertilizer, light, temperature, and pruning.