Your holiday cacti will need some extra nutrients to bloom with an abundance of flowers and heres when it should be nourished
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Youve chosen to bring in some color and festive joy into your home with the ever so abundant Christmas cacti, or Schlumbergera x buckleyi — a smart choice, if I may say so myself. And If you want to continue to see this plant bring some brightness into your home during those cold, crisp and dark winter nights, then youre going to have to learn when to fertilize it for a long-lasting blooming season.
To get the best out of this plant, understanding the basics of Christmas cactus care is the key to a thriving bloom and that means fertilizing it at the right time. “Fertilizing a Christmas cactus is essential to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms during the holiday season,” says Tony ONeill, a gardening expert from Simplify Gardening. “While they are relatively low-maintenance plants, providing them with the right nutrients at the appropriate times can make a significant difference in their flowering and overall health. Since Christmas cacti are not heavy feeders, a light and balanced approach to fertilization works best.”
So when should you fertilize a Christmas cactus? Here is everything you need to know, according to the expert.
Hey plant lovers! I’ve been growing Christmas cacti for over a decade now, and I gotta tell you – getting those beautiful holiday blooms isn’t just about luck. The secret sauce? High potassium fertilizer! Let me share everything I’ve learned about keeping these tropical beauties thriving and flowering
Why Your Christmas Cactus Needs High Potassium
Ya know what’s funny? Even though they’re called cacti, Christmas cacti aren’t like their desert cousins at all! These guys are actually tropical plants from Brazil that grow on trees. That’s why they need different nutrients, especially potassium. Here’s what potassium does for your plant:
- Powers flower production
- Helps with cell growth and division
- Supports root development
- Aids in forming carbohydrates and proteins
- Boosts overall plant health
Best High Potassium Fertilizers for Christmas Cactus
I’ve tried tons of different fertilizers over the years, and these are my top picks:
1. Balanced NPK Formulas (20-20-20 or 20-10-20)
Perfect for regular feeding during the growing season. I personally use these most often because they’re:
- Easy to find
- Simple to use
- Provide all necessary nutrients
- Work great when diluted
2. African Violet Fertilizer
These work amazingly well because
- Specifically formulated for flowering plants
- Usually have higher potassium levels
- Gentle on sensitive roots
3. Specialized Cactus Fertilizers
Look for ones with
- Lower nitrogen (under 10%)
- Higher potassium (20% or more)
- Water-soluble formula
When to Feed Your Christmas Cactus
Timing is everything! Here’s my feeding schedule:
Spring/Summer (Growing Season)
- Start fertilizing when new growth appears
- Feed every 2-4 weeks
- Use half-strength solution
Fall (Pre-blooming)
- Reduce fertilizing in late August
- Stop completely by October
- Let the plant focus on bud formation
Winter (Blooming)
- No fertilizer needed
- Plant is focusing on flowering
- Resume in spring
How to Apply High Potassium Fertilizer
Here’s my tried-and-true method:
- Mix fertilizer with water (half strength)
- Water plant thoroughly first
- Apply fertilizer solution until it drains
- Empty drainage tray after 15 minutes
- Don’t let roots sit in fertilizer water
Pro Tips from My Experience
Over the years, I’ve learned some tricks:
- Monthly Magnesium Boost: Add a bit of Epsom salt (1 tsp per gallon of water) once a month, but not with regular fertilizer
- Flush the Soil: Every few months, flush with plain water to prevent salt buildup
- Watch for Signs: If leaf tips brown, you’re probably over-fertilizing
- Use Lukewarm Water: Cold water can shock the roots
- Keep it Clean: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust
Supporting Care Tips
Fertilizer alone won’t give you those gorgeous blooms. Here’s what else your Christmas cactus needs:
Light Requirements
- Bright indirect light
- No direct sun
- 12-14 hours of darkness in fall
Temperature
- 65-70°F days
- 50-55°F nights in fall
- No cold drafts
Watering
- Keep soil slightly moist
- Don’t let it dry completely
- Reduce water in fall
Humidity
- 40-50% humidity
- Use pebble tray if needed
- Avoid misting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes! Here are some I’ve learned from:
- Over-fertilizing (less is more!)
- Using full-strength solution
- Fertilizing during blooming
- Not stopping fertilizer in fall
- Using desert cactus fertilizer
Troubleshooting Guide
If your Christmas cactus isn’t thriving, check these:
No Blooms?
- Too much nitrogen
- Not enough darkness
- Wrong temperature
Yellow Leaves?
- Over-fertilizing
- Poor drainage
- Root problems
Dropping Buds?
- Temperature fluctuations
- Too much fertilizer
- Sudden moves
DIY High Potassium Fertilizer Option
Wanna try making your own? Here’s my simple recipe:
- Banana peel tea (soak peels in water)
- Diluted wood ash solution
- Composted coffee grounds
Mix with water and use monthly during growing season.
Final Thoughts
Remember, every Christmas cactus is unique – what works for one might not work for another. Start with these guidelines and adjust based on your plant’s response. The key is observation and consistency.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with fertilizing Christmas cacti! Drop a comment below with your success stories or questions. Happy growing!
Note: This guide is based on my personal experience and research. Your results may vary depending on your specific growing conditions.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?
When to Fertilize a Christmas Cactus (Image credit: Getty Images)
Knowing when to fertilize a Christmas cactus is just as important as knowing when to water a Christmas cactus — its important to get the fundamentals right in order to have a well-established and thriving plant.
In conversation with Tony ONeill, from Simplify Gardening, he says the best time to fertilize a Christmas cactus is during its growing season — which is often between April to September. So if youve welcomed this colorful bloom into your home, its time to give it some well deserved tender loving care. “Avoid fertilizing in late fall and during the blooming period, as this can interrupt the natural blooming cycle,” says Tony.
The most ideal time to fertilize — according to the expert is:
Spring to Early Fall: Tony notes that this is the ideal time to fertilize every 4-6 weeks.
Late Fall to Winter: The expert advises to “stop fertilizing about a month before the plant is expected to bloom.” He says this will help the cactus focus on setting buds and flowering.
Im Tony ONeill, a gardening expert and best-selling author. I am an educator with a thriving YouTube channel that has 438,000 subscribers and receives over 1.4 million monthly views. Through my award-winning website, simplifygardening.com, I share my passion for gardening and sustainability. Ive authored books including “Simplify Vegetable Gardening,” “Composting Masterclass,” and “Your First Vegetable Garden,” empowering individuals to cultivate their own green spaces.
How to Fertilize a Christmas Cactus (Image credit: Getty Images)
If youre wondering how to get a Christmas cactus to flower, youll want to ensure youre giving it enough water and keeping it well fed with fertilizer when your plant needs it most.
So how exactly do you fertilize this tropical bloom? Tony says you need to do the following:
Step 1: Choose the Right Fertilizer: Tony says you will need to choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 (like this Jacks Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Water-Soluble Fertilizer from Amazon) or one formulated for flowering houseplants. “You can also use a cactus-specific fertilizer with a slightly lower nitrogen content,” the expert adds.
Step 2: Dilute the Fertilizer: Next up, mix the fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Tony says: “Christmas cacti are sensitive to over-fertilization, so its better to provide a diluted solution to avoid root burn.”
Step 3: Water Your Plant First: Tony explains: “Before fertilizing, water the plant with plain water to ensure the soil is moist. This prevents the roots from being shocked by the sudden influx of nutrients.”
Step 4: Apply Fertilizer: For this step pour the diluted fertilizer solution evenly over the soil, avoiding the leaves and stems. Ensure you fertilize the soil around the base of the plant.
Step 5: Drain Excess Water: Tony says you need to make sure the pot has proper drainage, and let any excess water drain out to prevent root rot.
Step 6: Rinse Occasionally: Last but not least, “every 3-4 months, flush the soil with plain water to remove any salt buildup from the fertilizer.”
How to Care for Christmas Cactus // Garden Answer
FAQ
What is a high potassium fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
Muriate of Potash 0-0-60 Fertilizer, High Potassium Fertilizer for Plants, Ideal Plant Food & Potash Fertilizer for Plants – Boosts Growth of Turf, Shrubs, Trees, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 5 lb.
What is the best fertiliser for Christmas cactus?
The best kind of fertilizer to give a Christmas cactus is a liquid feed that is high in potash. Miracle-Gro’s Indoor Plant Food is recommended.Nov 4, 2022
What does Epsom salt do for Christmas cactus?
Additionally, because Christmas cacti require more magnesium than most plants, it normally helps to provide a supplemental feeding of 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved in one gallon of water.