how to care for a christmas cactus during winter

These plants rarely need repotting since they like a crowded environment but every few years it is necessary to replace the soil. You can soak its soil until the water runs through the drainage holes of its container.

How To Grow And Care For Holiday Cactus Christmas Cactus

Maintain water and fertilizer.

. A Christmas cactus needs plenty of food and water. Feed the plant from late winter to late summer. Do not allow it to dry completely in between waterings.

Because your cacti wont experience bright sunny conditions throughout the winter sudden sun is likely to. Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus. Either mist the plant or place a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot to boost its humidity levels.

The potted Christmas cactus loves humidity so keep it away from hot sun. Outdoor Christmas Cactus Care It should be placed in semi-shade in an area where it does not get direct sunlight. A little bit of water less than half a cup every week or two is enough during the summer and every month during the winter.

If the flat stems get soft and mushy youre overwatering. A mixture of half potting soil and half sand or perlite is. Feed your Christmas cactus monthly with a blooming houseplant fertilizer or a water-soluble formula at half strength.

Caring for a Christmas cactus. The holiday cactus needs ample humidity especially when grown in the dry conditions of heated homes during the winter. The soil must have good drainage otherwise the roots will rot.

Unlike most desert cacti this variety cannot tolerate completely dry soil. Heres how to care for a Christmas cactus. It is important to keep the soil of your Christmas cactus moist but not overwatered.

But this must be done gradually. Lets look at how to plant a Christmas cactus and care for it. Place the plant near a window but stay away from direct sunlight.

Most cacti and succulents go dormant by the time fall comes around meaning they will stop growing when temperatures and daylight. If water runs through the plant to a liner or saucer below be sure to empty it away from the plant. How to care for Christmas cactus.

Your cactus will be in resting mode and its growth will stop. Plant your Christmas cactus in a light well-draining soil to allow water to move through the pot and out the bottom hole. Dont overwater because Christmas cactus is a succulent that absolutely cant tolerate soggy feet.

Summer - Move outdoors to shady area. Water when the top inch or two becomes dry. Winter - Put it in a location where it will get four to six hours of indirect sunlight.

In spring and summer water only when the top 2-3cm of compost is dry and let any excess water drain away Christmas cacti suffer if they sit in cold wet compost. How to Care for a Christmas Cactus. Light is a necessity when caring for cactus.

Once temperatures start going up again you will need to slowly introduce your cacti to sunny conditions. Remove the plant from a humid environment like a bathroom with a shower to bring down the humidity levels. In addition fertilize the plant with a monthly application of a magnesium sulfate solution at a ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 gallon of water but dont apply the same week you add the plant food.

The amount of water your cactus will need. How often should you water a Christmas cactus. A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus not a desert cactus.

How To Care Of Cactus In The Winter. Mist regularly and dont let the soil dry out. Direct sun during the summer or spring scorches their soft leaves but they dont mind sun exposure during the winter.

Use Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food or a similar product between blooms to fuel fresh bud growth. Winter care for indoor cactus. Caring for this plant can be a bit tricky as you need to take care not to overwater or underwater it.

Christmas cactus should be repotted soon after the plant has stopped blooming and the flowers have wilted typically in late winter or early spring. Yearly Plant Care Schedule for a Christmas Cactus Spring - Fertilize after flowering. Only do it when the soil is completely dry.

Adding humidity to a dry home will also help your cactus thrive especially in the winter. Watering Caring For A Christmas Cactus. Only water your indoor cacti once a month during winter and make sure the soil is well-drained.

They only require watering once every couple of weeks during the summer and as little as once a month during winter says the team at Baby Bio. In the Fall reduce watering to stimulate blooming. Water a Christmas cactus with care.

Water more sparingly during winter and during the two rest periods. Water your Christmas cactus when the top inch of its soil feels dry to the touch. Water them thoroughly once the top third of the soil is.

Water when the top inch or so of soil is completely dry to the touch. Although Christmas cacti are a humidity loving plant their roots cannot sit in water. Overwatering is one of the biggest killers of the Christmas cactus as it can lead to diseases such as white rot.

It is therefore a popular houseplant in winter and brings a little more color into the gray season with its beautiful flowers. Again these houseplants arent from the desert meaning they do need moisture. Feed a Christmas cactus with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water to 50 strength.

Christmas cactus still known as Schlumbergera is a real symbol of the Christmas season and as its name suggests blooms during the holidays. Succulents and cacti are great low-maintenance plants that brighten up the indoors even during winters darkest days. Mist your plant a few.

Fall - Move indoors before frost. In winter plants only need a little light and occasional watering to keep them going. During winter months cactus plants only need to be watered every 4 to 6 weeks.

Hold off on watering again until the soil is dry. Since theyre not desert plants but forest creatures Christmas cactus prefer diffused or indirect light. General Care for Christmas Cactus.

Using a fertilizer for Christmas cactus is only part of the care ritual. Keep them in a spot where they can get as much winter sun as possible. Plant it in well-draining potting soil then water when the top one or two inches are dry.

As Schlumbergera hail from rainforests they do best in a humid atmosphere. The Christmas cactus should be repotted after its blooming ends but you dont. Christmas Cactus Care After The Holidays.

If the soil gets too dry the flowers buds will drop and the plant will wilt. Indoor winter air is dry and temps are fairly even so watering one a week will be enough to keep your Christmas cactus happy.

Christmas Cactus Care The Complete Guide