Caring for your christmas cactus in November. It’s not just About stimulating buds

Christmas is still a long way off. Although when you look in the supermarkets, you can’t help but be surprised that it seems to be arriving earlier and earlier. At home, though, we’ll wait for it. Still, there are some tasks related to the plants we can’t imagine Christmas without that need to be addressed. For example, we should start taking care of our Christmas cactus now, in October. This wonderful plant truly deserves it. Schlumbergera is a special genus of cacti that requires specific care.

How to grow a christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus is characterized not only by its unique beauty but also by the rules that must be strictly followed when growing it. The conditions for proper growth are particularly important. It needs indirect light, but in sufficient quantities. It could get sunburned fairly quickly in direct sunlight. However, if it’s placed on a north- or east-facing window, there’s no problem. It won’t get scorched by the sun there. As for temperature, the Christmas cactus thrives at room temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 °C. Large temperature fluctuations are problematic for it.

Photo: Pixabay

Watering and repotting the christmas cactus

Watering is also very important for the Christmas cactus. It should be done regularly, but not excessively. The plant is highly susceptible to overwatering. In plants kept in an environment that’s too wet, the roots rot very quickly. The Christmas cactus should be repotted once every two to three years.

Potting mix and fertilization

A special potting mix for succulents and cacti is ideal. Nutrient supply is very important for the Christmas cactus. It should be fertilized three times every two months, either in the morning or in the evening. To promote bud formation, start fertilizing in November. The size of already formed flowers is promoted in February and March. If the cactus blooms at a different time, you can adjust accordingly. Now, in October, it’s best to simply remove any excess growth from the cactus. Fertilization will come later.

Tip: How often should you water cacti? Most people do it wrong.

Be careful with boric acid

This was commonly used on Christmas cacti in the past. However, it must be properly diluted. In high concentrations, it is dangerous and could harm the plant rather than help it. It’s better to buy fertilizer specifically designed for Christmas cacti.

Sources: Author, Meta, https://www.modernizahrada.com/jak-pestovat-vanocni-kaktus-aby-krasne-kvetl/,https://abecedazahrady.dama.cz/clanek/jak-pestovat-vanocni-kaktus

Featured photo: Pixabay