Christmas cacti are one of the most popular houseplants for Christmas. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all need to be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer. If you’re looking at your plants right now and wondering when to fertilize them, here is what you need to know about feeding your plants this winter season.
What are the benefits of using fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus is succulent, and like other succulents, it does not need a lot of fertilizer to stay healthy. In fact, over-fertilizing can actually be harmful to the plant. However, using a good quality fertilizer once or twice a year will help your Christmas cactus bloom more prolifically.
When and how to fertilize the Christmas cactus?
The best time to fertilize your Christmas cactus is in the early spring before new growth begins. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 11-10-11 or 2-7-7 at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon of water. Fertilize again in midsummer if needed.
Christmas cacti can also be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer pellet applied every six months. Follow the package directions for application rates.
You can also give your plant an occasional boost by feeding it with a liquid houseplant food diluted by half with water. Feeding your Christmas cactus more often than recommended will not make it grow faster or produce more flowers. In fact, it may cause problems like root rot.
Tips on how to maintain a healthy, happy Christmas cactus
Christmas Cactus requires bright, indirect light. It is succulent and therefore likes to stay somewhat dry. Water your cactus only when the soil feels completely dry – do not water it if there are still any wet spots on top of it! Let the plant sit in its saucer for about 15 minutes after watering; this allows excess moisture to evaporate off before you set it back down into its potting area. Make sure that Christmas Cactus has good drainage, or else standing water will develop at the bottom of the container! Your goal is harmony with nature, so try sticking to natural sunlight hours (no artificial lights) as much as possible: morning sun is best because they thrive with long periods of sunshine without getting too much heat.