The Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera spp . ) is a beloved vacation plant , often passed down through generations , with its vivacious bloom adding a festive touch to homes during the winter season .
Despite its name , the Christmas cactus is n’t a desert cactus but hails from the tropic rainforests of Brazil . This alone origin think that its care necessary dissent importantly from those of traditional cacti .
Many people , however , fall into common pitfalls when caring for their Christmas cacti , leading to disappointing termination . In this article , we will explore these uncouth mistake and provide hard-nosed tips to assist your Christmas cactus thrive .
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Christmas Cacti
1. Overwatering
One of the most frequent misunderstanding in Christmas cactus care is overwatering . Unlike desert cacti , the Christmas cactus requires more wet , but too much H2O can lead to stem rot , a common and often fateful issue . The key to proper watering is balance .
crown : Water your Christmas cactus only when the top in of the soil feel dry to the touch . During the grow time of year ( natural spring and summertime ) , this might intend water every 1 - 2 weeks . In the capitulation and wintertime , boil down tearing frequence as the plant life enters a dormant form .
2. Using the Wrong Soil
Another mutual misapprehension is plant the Christmas cactus in the wrong eccentric of soil . steady potting soil retains too much moisture , which can stifle the roots and lead to rot . Conversely , sandy cactus soil might not retain enough wet .
bakshish : Use a well - draining potting mix designed for epiphytic industrial plant or make your own by unify equal parts of regular potting dirt , orchid barque , and perlite . This will provide the veracious symmetry of moisture retentivity and drain .
3. Incorrect Lighting Conditions
Christmas cacti require bright , collateral light to thrive . Placing them in direct sunlight can cause the leave-taking to cut , while too little igniter can hinder blooming . hit the right balance is all-important .
backsheesh : Place your Christmas cactus in a spot where it receives bright , collateral sun , such as near a Frederick North or east - facing windowpane . If the light is too intense , you’re able to filter it with filmy curtain .
During the winter calendar month , a bit more verbatim brightness level can be good , but always supervise the plant for signs of stress .
Source: Reddit
4. Neglecting Humidity Needs
As tropical plants , Christmas cacti thrive in environments with higher humidity levels . Many citizenry bury this aspect , especially in dry indoor environments during winter , lead to a stressed plant .
Tip : Increase humidity around your Christmas cactus by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a room humidifier . you could also group it with other plant life to create a more humid microenvironment .
Misting the plant occasionally can also help , but be cautious not to overdo it , as too much wet on the farewell can run to fungal issues .
5. Ignoring Temperature Preferences
Temperature plays a significant role in the emergence and blooming of Christmas cacti . Exposure to uttermost temperature , either too red-hot or too cold , can shock the plant and cut off its blooming cycle .
hint : Keep your Christmas cactus in a stable surround where temperature stay between 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) during the day and slightly cooler at night . Avoid placing the plant near drafts , heating vents , or cold windowpane , as sudden temperature change can cause bud drop .
6. Improper Fertilization
Fertilizing is substantive for the growth and bloom of Christmas cacti , but using the wrong case of fertiliser or over - fertilizing can harm the plant . Too much plant food can lead to salinity buildup in the soil , which can damage the roots .
summit : Fertilize your Christmas cactus every 4 - 6 weeks during the growing season ( spring and summer ) with a balanced , piddle - soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength . bar fertilizing in previous summertime to encourage blooming .
Avoid fertilizing during the sleeping period in gloaming and winter .
7. Forgetting to Prune
Pruning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when caring for a Christmas cactus , but it ’s a worthful practice . Neglecting to prune can lead to a leggy , unhinged plant that might struggle to bloom .
Tip : After the bloom period , lightly prune your Christmas cactus to sustain its soma and encourage shaggy-coated growth . Pinch off the end of the stem where the blooms have faded .
This practice help perk up new growth , which will lead to more flower in the next blooming time of year .
8. Repotting at the Wrong Time
Christmas cacti do n’t need frequent repotting , and doing so at the wrong time can stress the plant life . repot too often or during the incorrect season can disrupt the plant ’s growth Hz and lead to a lack of blooms .
Tip : Repot your Christmas cactus every 2 - 3 years , ideally in late spring or early summer , after the blossom period and before the active growing season set out . pick out a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one , as these plants opt to be jolly root - bound .
9. Skipping the Dormancy Period
The dormancy period is crucial for the Christmas cactus to pose buds and peak during the vacation time of year . Skipping or contract this period is a vulgar error that can lead to a want of flowers .
Tip : To encourage bloom , reduce lacrimation and keep the industrial plant in a coolheaded , dour position for about 6 - 8 weeks in the fall . Once bud lead off to form , step by step increase light exposure and resume normal tearing .
This relaxation period mimics the plant ’s natural cycle and is all-important for a cornucopia of vacation blooms .
10. Ignoring Pests and Diseases
While Christmas cacti are generally hardy , they can still accrue dupe to pest like mealybugs , wanderer mites , and scale insects , as well as diseases like root rot and fungal infection . Ignoring these problems can cursorily go to a descent in the works ’s health .
Tip : Regularly audit your Christmas cactus for sign of pests or disease . If you notice any issues , treat them pronto with insecticidal soap or neem vegetable oil for pests , and ensure proper tearing practice session to prevent fungal problem .
Good air circulation and maintaining clean , detritus - free soil will also help keep your industrial plant goodly .
Caring for a Christmas cactus can be a rewarding experience , especially when you see it burst into a beautiful display of flowers during the holiday season .
By avoiding these plebeian mistakes and following the peak furnish , you could secure that your Christmas cactus remains healthy and vibrant yr after twelvemonth .
Remember , understanding the unique pauperization of this tropical plant life is key to its winner . With the correct concern , your Christmas cactus will not only hold out but thrive , becoming a cherished part of your holiday custom .
Source: Reddit
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