How and when to fertilize Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus is a plant in the Cactaceae family that blooms in the winter months. Since its flowering coincides with Christmas in the northern hemisphere, it has been called that. Its red, white or pink flowers, between 3 and 5 cm in size and shaped like a feather, are undoubtedly the most characteristic detail of this cactus. Although it has its origin in South America, today it can be found decorating interiors anywhere in the world. In this article we will dedicate ourselves to see in depth everything about fertilizer for Christmas Cactus, how and when to apply it, the type of fertilizers to use and some basic care.

Depending on factors such as species (there are 7 recognized), age or climate, the same care cannot be applied in the same way for all Christmas cactus. Since covering each particular situation may be impossible for a single article, the tips we’ll look at here are general. Given this, it is important that you apply everything you see here responsibly and that you understand what you are doing, we do not want your plant to be damaged by fertilizing it. 🙂

Before getting fully into the subject of this post, it is important to point out that not only the correct care and fertilization of your plants will make your garden look beautiful. There are other keys that many gardeners forget. Among them, the landscape lighting design can really increase the charm of the garden. You can have a garden with the best-kept and fertilized plants, but without proper lighting, you won’t be taking 100% advantage of the beauty of these plants. I recommend that along with fertilizing your Christmas cactus, you work on improving the lighting.

1. How to grow this cactus

We will start by analyzing some of the basic care that you must carry out with this plant if you want to keep it healthy and strong. It is useless to fertilize if the other cares is not carried out correctly.

1.1 Spread

As with all cactus, their propagation is very simple. You should take a cutting that has at least three or five segments, and in case it has flowers, remove them. Removing the flowers is because they will take energy that will be necessary to shoot roots and sprout.

Place this cut in a pot with cactus and succulent substrate. Don’t overdo it with watering, because although it resists moisture better than many cacti, any excess water can cause it to rot.

Place this pot in a well-lit and warm place, watering only when you see that the soil is dry. In good condition, this cut should start sprouting after 2 to 5 weeks.

1.2 Irrigation

As we said before, this cactus needs more water than the common cactus. For this reason, it should be watered once or twice a week during the development seasons.

Once flowering is complete, you can leave a period of about two months with almost no watering. Every time you water your Christmas cactus, do it carefully, without causing a puddle of dirt. On the other hand, try using lime-free water.

1.3 Light

You may think that because it is a cactus, it can withstand many hours of intense sun, but this is not the case, too much sun can cause serious damage. These damages will be seen especially in the new growths and flowers.

With this in mind, you should expose it to a few hours a day of sun. A semi shady spot can be a good option.

1.4 Ideal temperature

As we have said, this plant has its origin in South America, more especially in the tropics. Therefore, a range of between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius is a very good temperature for its proper development.

On the other hand, it is characterized by resisting low temperatures quite well, but it is damaged near zero. Always be careful not to leave it outside if you live in a place where winters are moderately strong.

1.5 Pruning

Pruning this cactus is a very simple task to perform. You don’t even need a pair of scissors, only with your hands you can do it.

You should cut one or two segments from each stem with your hands, just twist and pull the joints. Try to leave all the stems the same length.

The right time to prune it is during June, this will encourage better and more abundant growths.

1.6 Common problems

A very common problem that any Christmas cactus can suffer is the fall of its buds before flowering. The reason this usually happens is a sudden change in temperature or lighting. Always try to keep this factor under control so that it doesn’t happen.

Another fairly common problem are those that come from over-watering. These are root rot and fungal growth. It is sufficient to control it with a well drained substrate and without excessive watering.

Finally, it should be mentioned that it is quite prone to attacks by aphids and mealybugs. You can treat these pests by applying a mixture of soap and water.

1.7 Soil

As a very general advice it can be said that you need a soil with enough organic matter to achieve a good flowering. We will analyze in depth the needs of soil and fertilization of Christmas cactus in the next sections.

2. What do the three numbers mean on the label of a fertilizer?

If you’re just starting out in this gardening world and have never used fertilizers intensively, you’re probably wondering what those three numbers mean on any fertilizer package. Don’t worry, it’s something we’ve all asked ourselves at some point.

If you’ve ever stopped to compare between two or more different fertilizer bags, you may have noticed that each one features a different combination of these three numbers. Some are 10-10-10 others 20-10-15, and therefore an infinity of combinations. Let’s start by saying that these three numbers are known as the NPK values.

Don’t panic, understanding what NPK values ​​are is very simple. They represent the value of the three nutrients that plants use. These are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and end in potassium (K).

Specifically, what the number represents is the percentage of each nutrient in the fertilizer bag. Let’s take an example so that you understand better. If the mix is ​​10-5-10 and the bag weighs 10 pounds, that’s 1 pound of the total is nitrogen, 0.50 pounds of phosphorous and 1 pound of potassium.

Simple right? Well now if we can start to get fully involved with the fertilization of your Christmas cactus.

3. Best fertilizer for Christmas cactus

It is very common that when Christmas approaches people go out to buy plants to give color to their home, among the most sought after is undoubtedly the Christmas cactus. The truth is that on his first Christmas he gives many beautiful and large flowers. But the following year has arrived, and perhaps without having received proper care throughout the year, your second Christmas does not bloom as we expected.

To help you get the best flowers, without having to go year after year to buy a new plant, I will give you some types so that you can feed it properly. We will begin by analyzing which are the best fertilizers, which we will divide between homemade fertilizers and commercial fertilizers. We will also analyze the use of epsom salt and fertilizers for orchids.

3.1 Commercial fertlizer

Although it is very difficult to find commercial fertilizers created especially for Christmas cactus, what you should look for are fertilizers with a balanced formula formulated for flowering houseplants. Among all the commercial fertilizers you can buy any of these:

• Liquid All-Purpose Houseplant Fertilizer: A very good option is to look for liquid fertilizers, in indoor plants it is very practical to apply it. Look for balanced formulas with NPK numbers 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.

• Slow-Release Pellet or Spikes Fertilizer: If you’re not looking for immediate results like a liquid fertilizer can provide, slow-release pellets are a good option. This way the Christmas cactus will have access to nutrients gradually. Typically, this type of fertilizer releases nutrients for months, so you should again look for balanced formulas.

• Organic or Natural Plant Fertilizer: Among the commercial options you can also find many organic fertilizers derived from sources such as seaweed, fish emulsion or composted materials. They are a very good option when you are looking for more natural fertilizers.

Never forget to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any commercial fertilizer you choose. In my experience, I recommend that you use a slightly lower dose than what is recommended in the instructions. Then you can gradually increase the dose.

3.2 Homemade fertilizer for christmas cactus

Using homemade fertilizers has many advantages, not only does it save you money, but it also helps you make use of much of the organic matter you produce at home. Some very good options in homemade fertilizers for Christmas cactus are the following:

• Banana Peel Fertilizer: Banana peels are rich in potassium, phosphorous, and other beneficial minerals. This makes it an excellent source to prepare a fertilizer. Preparing it is simple, you only have to gather the shells and leave them dry for a couple of days. Once dry you have to cut them into very small pieces or grind them into a powder. And that’s it, it’s ready to apply directly to the base of the plant.

• Eggshell Fertilizer: Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which will help make your plant more resistant to diseases and pests. To prepare it you must wash the shells and put them to dry. Then you have to grind them into a powder. You can use that powder to apply to the base of the plant.

• Compost tea: compost is one of the best and most complete organic fertilizers. In the case of indoor plants, I like to prepare compost tea, since it facilitates its application. To prepare it you must place compost in a cloth bag and submerge it in water. Let sit for a few hours and then use that water to apply along with watering.

Remember to monitor your plant’s response to homemade fertilizer and adjust application as needed. This is the best way to readjust the fertilizer for the best results.

3.3 Can i use orchid fertilizer on christmas cactus?

As we said before, it is not easy to find commercial fertilizers created especially for Christmas cactus. That is why many gardeners look for alternatives, including the use of fertilizers for orchids. Given this, you should know that although it is feasible to use these fertilizers on your Christmas cactus, certain care must be taken before applying it.

And it is that orchids and Christmas cactus have different nutritional needs. Orchid fertilizers are typically formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of orchids, which often have unique requirements due to their epiphytic nature. In general, they contain a high nitrogen content, and in their formula there are certain beneficial micronutrients for orchids.

On the contrary, as we pointed out previously, Christmas cactus generally need a balanced fertilizer. Formulas like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 are the most recommended. For this reason, it is best to use a fertilizer formulated specifically for flowering houseplants or cacti and succulents. This type of fertilizer will better cover the needs of Christmas cactus.

If the only fertilizer you have on hand is one for orchids, you can use it. But you should know that you will have to apply it very carefully. Dilute this fertilizer at half or up to a quarter of the recommended rate for orchids. With this, what is sought above all is to dilute the amount of nitrogen. Apply copious watering along with fertilizing.

4. How and when to fertilize Christmas cactus?

To talk about how we should carry out fertilization, we must first know a little more about this plant. Some keys are:

• The Christmas cactus has its flowering period between the months of November to March. More specifically on those shorter fall days, which need around 12 hours of darkness.

• Between the months of April to October, the plant changes from stopping to beginning to develop before flowering.

• If it receives the necessary attention, this plant can live 15 or 20 years.

Although it is during the cold months of the year when this cactus develops and blooms, this is not the period when it should be fertilized. The Christmas cactus does not need to receive any fertilizer while it blooms.

Dilute your ferlilizer 20-20-20 in water and apply it along with watering from April to October. Remember that it will be from November that we can expect the first flowers, therefore, stop fertilizing at that time. Once the entire flowering cycle ends (April), you can start over with the fertilizer.

We have already said that it is good to apply a little extra magnesium to the plant, we will do it during the same months that we fertilize, but alternatively. Do not apply the fertilizer together with magnesium. You can mix a tablespoon of Epsom salts for every gallon of water, and apply it in irrigation.

5. Fertilizer for Christmas cactus video

To end the publication, we have selected a video from the Garden Rudiments channel, in it you will see in a very complete way many tips for the maintenance of this cactus. Among them, how to carry out irrigation, how much lighting you need and how to fertilize it. I have no doubt that it will be very useful to see it. 😉

And so far we come, I hope that all the information we have seen has been useful, and have no doubt about fertilizer for Christmas cactus.