Does a Christmas cactus like to be rootbound?
Does a Christmas Cactus Like to Be Rootbound? If your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) thrives in its well-worn container, don't be in a rush to transplant. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, holiday cacti blooms best with its roots slightly cramped.
How do I know when to repot a Christmas cactus?
If your Christmas cactus looks stressed, or if root mats form at the pot's bottom and sides, it's time for a move. Shifting to a slightly larger pot may be necessary every three years or so. Repotting relieves soil compaction and ensures aeration stays good. Wait until your Christmas cactus finishes blooming; never transplant once buds have set.
Where do Christmas cactus grow in the wild?
Christmas cactus and other holiday cacti (Schlumbergera spp.) grow wild in the rain forests of Brazil. This tropical cactus is an epiphyte—a plant that draws water and nutrients from the air instead of soil. In its native habitat, it roots in leaf debris on trees or in rock crevices.
Do Christmas cactus roots need to be aerated?
For epiphyte roots, aeration is essential. The Christmas cactus flourishes as long as the needs of its roots are met. Soil must be porous, fast-draining and not compacted so that air stays in plentiful supply.
See more
When should you repot your Christmas cactus?
The best rule of thumb is to repot your Christmas Cactus every 4 years to a pot that's 2 inches larger than the pot it is currently in.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
When selecting a pot for a Christmas cactus, be sure to choose one that has a drainage hole in the bottom. This helps to keep the soil from getting too wet. Christmas cacti grow well in most potting mixes that are formulated for succulents. The important thing is that your potting soil drains well.
Can I plant a Christmas cactus in regular potting soil?
This is one of the plants that will not tolerate soggy conditions - it needs air around its roots. Having said that, I have seen Christmas cacti growing very well in garden soil used as potting soil. The ideal potting soil will contain a high proportion of organic matter such as peat or well-decomposed compost.
How do you repot a root bound Christmas cactus?
If your Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus gets very big and pot-bound, you can divide it. Cut through its thick roots with a sharp, clean knife. You can divide it into two to four pieces, depending on the size of the plant. Replant the divisions in a well-drained cactus potting mix.
Do Christmas cactus like tight pots?
How often should you repot Christmas Cactus? I'll repot mine in 3-5 years depending on how it's doing. Remember, they like to grow slightly tight in their pots so only go up 1 pot size.
Should Christmas cactus be water from the top or bottom?
Experts recommend watering Christmas cactus from the bottom rather than on top. With this method, you can be sure that your plant is getting enough water every time because it will soak into their roots and reach all of them.
What is the best planter for a Christmas cactus?
What Kind of Pot is Ideal for this Plant? The ideal pot for a Christmas cactus is a well-draining pot. Try and find one with drainage holes and also search for a pot material that is porous such as terra cotta, ceramic, or clay.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Increase humidity around the plant. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
Do Christmas cactus do better in clay pots?
ANSWER: Christmas cacti are well suited to clay pots due to their quickly-draining nature. Clay is a porous material, which provides good air circulation and conductive conditions.
Should you water a Christmas cactus before repotting?
Before Christmas cactus repotting, water your plant one or two days before you plan to repot the plant. Pot bound plants are easier to repot when the potting mixture is moist and clings to the roots.
How much root space does a cactus need?
In general, a cactus should have a minimum of 1/4 inch of space between its main body and the pot's rim. The soil itself needs to cover the root system loosely without any protruding tips exposed to the light; the roots must form a stable base for the cactus to grow tall and wide, depending on the species.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp leaves on a Christmas cactus can be caused by a few different things including overwatering, not enough watering, and too much direct sun. Their preferred conditions are partial shade, sufficient humidity, warmth, and moderate watering.
Do Christmas cactus like shallow or deep pots?
Christmas Cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. I've seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they're doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.
What do you plant Christmas cactus in?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Increase humidity around the plant. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
Can you plant Christmas cactus in plastic pots?
Clay or Plastic Pot for Christmas Cactus? Definitely go with a clay pot for Christmas cactus, as they're better suited for drainage. Plastic is okay, but drainage holes are a must.
What is the best potting mix for Christmas cactus?
The easiest medium requires three parts regular potting soil mixed with two parts perlite. This will provide perfectly adequate drainage. If you'd like to take it a step further, mix equal parts compost, perlite, and milled peat.
How to keep a Christmas cactus moist?
In the rain forest, humidity keeps moisture abundant. Duplicate this in your home by misting your Christmas cactus or placing a shallow tray of pebbles, filled with water, beneath its pot. Keep the water low enough that your cactus never sits in water. The Christmas cactus thrives when kept consistently moist through the growing season but is allowed to dry out about halfway between waterings so that air always gets through. Don't let your plant dry completely; it may drop its buds. Water sparingly while your Christmas cactus rests from fall until late winter.
What type of soil do Christmas cactus like?
Soil must be porous, fast-draining and not compacted so that air stays in plentiful supply. A packaged cactus soil mix or a blend of 40 percent perlite and 60 percent peat moss provides aeration and the acidic environment a Christmas cactus prefers.
How long does it take for a Christmas cactus to dry out?
The Christmas cactus thrives when kept consistently moist through the growing season but is allowed to dry out about halfway between waterings so that air always gets through. Don't let your plant dry completely; it may drop its buds. Water sparingly while your Christmas cactus rests from fall until late winter.
What zone is a cactus?
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, this tropical cactus is an epiphyte -- a plant that draws water and nutrients from air instead of soil. In its native habitat, it roots in leaf debris on trees or in rock crevices.
Do Christmas cactus need transplants?
Does a Christmas Cactus Like to Be Rootbound? If your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x hybrida) thrives in its well-worn container, don't be in a rush to transplant. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a holiday cactus blooms best with its roots slightly cramped.
