If you ’re a proud proprietor of a Christmas Cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii ) , you may be wondering when and how to repot it for optimal increase and health . Christmas Cactus are comparatively low - care houseplants , but they do need to be repotted from time to clock time so as to persist healthy .
First , permit ’s go over when it ’s time to repot your cactus . more often than not speaking , it ’s good to repot your Christmas Cactus every 4 years or so to give it a fresh start . When selecting a pot for your cactus , verify that it is 2 inches large than the current pot since this will provide plenty of room for the roots to farm .
Next , let ’s talk about what eccentric of territory is good for your Christmas Cactus . The ideal soil should bear a in high spirits proportion of organic matter such as peat or well - decomposed compost . you may also add coarse sand or aquarium gravel for extra drainage and aeration . There are also peculiar cactus potting soils that are designed specifically for cacti useable on the marketplace if you would like an extra layer of protection for your works .
Finally , it ’s authoritative to select the riht type of tummy for your Christmas Cactus . The most recommend character is an unglazed terra cotta or clay wad as they allow air circulation and right drain which help keep the roots levelheaded and happy . However , avoid over - pot your cactus as they opt being root bound ; if they become too constricted in their pot they wo n’t stay put healthy !
repot your Christmas Cactus can aid ensure its length of service and health ; take these steps and you ’ll be certain to have a beautiful blooming plant come Christmastime !
When is the Best Time to Repot a Christmas Cactus?
Repotting your Christmas Cactus every 4 years is the sound path to maintain its health and zip . You should wait until after the bloom time of year , which typically go on around late winter or early outpouring . Once blooming is over , you could cautiously take away the flora from its pot and scrutinize the root word system . If it loos crowded or you see root grow out of the bottom of the pot , it ’s time to repot . opt a pot that is 2 in larger than its current container , and take a soil mixture that is well - drain but still hold some wet . localise some drainage stuff such as gravel in the bottom of your Modern mass before tote up grunge . Gently tease apart out some of the exist roots before remove your plant into its new menage and water good .
origin : countryliving.com
Soil Requirements for a Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus prefer a well - draining , easy potting stain . The ideal soil assortment is a combination of adequate part peat moss , perlite and common moxie to ply proper drainage and aeration . If these cloth are not available , commercial-grade cactus potting land work well too . verify the soil does not cntain added fertilizer or lime ; Christmas cacti prefer more or less acidic dirt with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 . When potting your Christmas cactus , it ’s also of import to ensure that the container has enough drain hole and utilise a pot that is only one sizing big than the root glob of the flora .
What Type of Pot is Best for a Christmas Cactus?
Christmas cactus plants thrive in glassless terra cotta or the Great Compromiser pots due to their poriferous nature which allows for proper aeration and piddle drainage . Lucius DuBignon Clay or terracotta pots also allow the dirt to stay slightly cooler , which can be good for a Christmas cactus that is sensitive to heat . to boot , these type of pots are long-wearing and can last for years if well - keep . It ’s crucial to note that glazed ceramic pots should be deflect as they typically hold back too much moisture , which can lead to solution rot .
Do Christmas Cactuses Benefit from Being Root Bound?
Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii ) prefer to be slightly root rebound . This means that they should not be repot until the roots have fill the entire pot and the soil is compacted . If repot too often , the plant can become rootbound and struggle to take up enough weewee and nutrient which can contribute to wilt or pitiful growth . When you do repot , choose a pot one size bigger than before and utilize a cactus soil mixing that allow for good drain . Also verify the pot has drain muddle so surplus H2O can escape .
Conclusion
In conclusion , repotting a Christmas Cactus every 4 year is an of import part of keeping it healthy . The ideal potting soil should conain a high-pitched proportion of organic matter such as peat or well - decomposed compost , as well as common guts or marine museum crushed rock to ply necessary drainage and aeration . An unglazed terra cotta or clay deal will also look outstanding and help promote growth . When repotting , select a pot that is two in larger than the current one and fill it with cactus soil . Doing this will ensure your Christmas Cactus stays healthy and well-chosen for many holiday seasons to come !
Caroline Bates
