The Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera spp . ) is a beloved vacation plant , often passed down through generations , with its vibrant blooms adding a merry touch to nursing home during the wintertime season .
Despite its name , the Christmas cactus is n’t a desert cactus but hail from the tropical rainforests of Brazil . This unique origin means that its caution essential disagree importantly from those of traditional cacti .
Many people , however , fall into common pitfalls when caring for their Christmas cacti , moderate to dissatisfactory final result . In this article , we will explore these common mistakes and provide practical tips to help your Christmas cactus expand .
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Christmas Cacti
1. Overwatering
One of the most frequent mistakes in Christmas cactus care is overwatering . Unlike desert cacti , the Christmas cactus requires more wet , but too much water can head to root rot , a mutual and often fateful egress . The key to right watering is correspondence .
pourboire : piddle your Christmas cactus only when the top inch of the soil sense dry to the touch . During the growing time of year ( spring and summer ) , this might think of water every 1 - 2 weeks . In the fall and winter , cut lachrymation frequency as the plant life enter a hibernating form .
2. Using the Wrong Soil
Another vernacular fault is plant the Christmas cactus in the wrong type of soil . even potting soil retains too much wet , which can suffocate the roots and chair to waste . Conversely , sandy cactus ground might not retain enough wet .
Tip : habituate a well - draining potting mix design for epiphytic plant or make your own by mixing adequate parts of unconstipated potting soil , orchid bark , and perlite . This will provide the right symmetricalness of moisture retention and drain .
3. Incorrect Lighting Conditions
Christmas cacti require bright , collateral luminousness to flourish . Placing them in lineal sunlight can do the leaf to fire , while too little light can hinder bloom . Striking the right balance is all-important .
top : Place your Christmas cactus in a touch where it receive shining , collateral sun , such as near a Union or eastward - front windowpane . If the light is too intense , you’re able to filter it with sheer curtains .
During the wintertime months , a bit more direct light can be beneficial , but always supervise the plant for signs of tenseness .
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4. Neglecting Humidity Needs
As tropical plants , Christmas cacti thrive in environs with higher humidness grade . Many people forget this aspect , particularly in dry indoor environments during winter , lead to a stressed plant .
wind : Increase humidity around your Christmas cactus by point a tray of urine near the plant or using a room humidifier . you’re able to also aggroup it with other plants to create a more humid microenvironment .
haze over the plant occasionally can also help , but be cautious not to overdo it , as too much wet on the leaves can lead to fungal issue .
5. Ignoring Temperature Preferences
Temperature plays a significant role in the growth and blooming of Christmas cacti . Exposure to extreme temperature , either too hot or too dusty , can appal the plant and break up its blooming cycle .
Tip : Keep your Christmas cactus in a unchanging environment where temperatures remain between 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° coulomb ) during the 24-hour interval and somewhat cooler at night . Avoid placing the works near drafts , heating vents , or moth-eaten window , as sudden temperature changes can cause bud drop curtain .
6. Improper Fertilization
Fertilizing is crucial for the growth and blooming of Christmas cacti , but using the incorrect character of fertiliser or over - fertilizing can harm the plant life . Too much fertilizer can conduce to salt buildup in the territory , which can damage the roots .
steer : Fertilize your Christmas cactus every 4 - 6 week during the growing time of year ( spring and summertime ) with a balanced , water - soluble fertilizer stretch to half strength . block up fertilizing in later summertime to encourage blooming .
Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period in fall and winter .
7. Forgetting to Prune
Pruning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when care for a Christmas cactus , but it ’s a valuable practice . drop to prune can lead to a leggy , unbalanced plant that might struggle to bloom .
Tip : After the blooming period , lightly lop your Christmas cactus to maintain its build and encourage bushier increase . squeeze off the ends of the stems where the blossom have faded .
This pattern aid stimulate new outgrowth , which will lead to more heyday in the next blooming season .
8. Repotting at the Wrong Time
Christmas cacti do n’t require frequent repotting , and doing so at the ill-timed time can emphasize the plant . Repotting too often or during the wrong season can disrupt the plant ’s growth cycle and extend to a want of efflorescence .
Tip : Repot your Christmas cactus every 2 - 3 years , ideally in former bounce or early summer , after the blooming menstruum and before the combat-ready growing time of year begins . select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one , as these plant favour to be reasonably antecedent - bind .
9. Skipping the Dormancy Period
The quiescence period is important for the Christmas cactus to set bud and bloom during the holiday time of year . Skipping or shortening this stop is a common mistake that can pass to a want of flowers .
gratuity : To encourage bloom , reduce tearing and keep the works in a nerveless , dark position for about 6 - 8 weeks in the capitulation . Once buds begin to form , gradually increase abstemious pic and resume normal lacrimation .
This residual period mimic the works ’s instinctive Hz and is essential for a profusion of holiday blooms .
10. Ignoring Pests and Diseases
While Christmas cacti are generally hardy , they can still fall victim to pests like mealybugs , wanderer mites , and musical scale insects , as well as disease like ascendant bunk and fungal infections . Ignoring these problems can quickly lead to a decline in the plant ’s wellness .
Tip : Regularly inspect your Christmas cactus for foretoken of pests or disease . If you notice any issues , process them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem vegetable oil for pestilence , and insure right watering practices to forestall fungal trouble .
Good strain circulation and keep clean , debris - free soil will also help oneself keep your plant life healthy .
deal for a Christmas cactus can be a rewarding experience , especially when you see it break open into a beautiful display of flowers during the holiday season .
By nullify these vernacular mistakes and following the bakshish provided , you could ensure that your Christmas cactus stay on hefty and vivacious year after class .
think , understanding the unique need of this tropical industrial plant is key to its success . With the correct care , your Christmas cactus will not only survive but thrive , becoming a precious part of your vacation custom .
Source: Reddit
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