Home»Cactus - Succulents»Christmas Cactus
Succulents have seemingly grown more pop among homeowners each year . This is because they often tolerate a second of disregard , particularly when it come to water .
But even more surprising is how beautiful some succulent are when they bloom . A prime instance of this is the Christmas cactus .
These beautiful plants produce attractive tubelike efflorescence of lilac , pink , purple , red , or white when most other houseplant are abeyant .
This member of theSchlumbergiagenus is sometimes identify as a specific specie ( or the Buckleyi cultivar group ) and sometimes as the entire genus .
What set it apart from the thanksgiving cactus ( alsoSchlumbergia ) is simply the metre it flower .
Despite this being an easygoing houseplant , you ’ll want the best conditions for the good efflorescence .
The plant ’s soil tends to be the most neglect facial expression .
What Kind of Soil Do I Use for Christmas Cactus?
Choosing good , well - drained soil is both easy and involved , depending on how much attention you plan to give yourChristmas cactus .
Let ’s look at the various soils you may purchase or mix at home base .
Note: Soil pH is Important
Always ensure the soil is indifferent to slimly acid for the best effect .
reckon on the mintage , your Christmas cactus will desire a dirt pH of 5.7 to 6.5 or 5.5 to 6.2 .
you’re able to test the soil pH by purchasing trial kits if you are n’t using prepacked grime .
Purchasing Commercial Soils
Whether you ’re feeling otiose or have other cacti around the house , commercial-grade soil is one of the fastest and easy option .
you may utilize a tone general - intention potting mix at the most basic remnant of the spectrum .
However , you may need to ameliorate such stain , as these plants beloved stain with gamey organic issue .
Another alternative is to use a decent cactus mix .
These commonly have a good mixture of organic subject and aggregate , although you will still need to fertilize now and again .
Be warned that buying cheap commercial soil increases the chance of contaminate your plant with garden pests or other health peril that were n’t right treat before publicity .
A Cactus Soil Mix Recipe or Mixing Your Own Soil
By far , the best option is to make your ownsucculent soil admixture .
The most canonical cactus soil mixture formula involves buying and pre - treat a ecumenical - purpose grease mix or harvesting some you ’ve antecedently composted .
Mix in some barque , coarse gumption , or perlite at a proportion of two parts combine to three parts filth .
This guarantee the soil wo n’t support spare weewee while provide raft of nutrients .
Another method that works exceptionally well when disseminate a Christmas cactus is to practice an equal mix of organic thing and aggregate .
constituent affair may include compost , foliage mold , or peat .
Not only does this make for a humus - robust and nourishing mix , but it help foreclose the soil from drying out too promptly .
Meanwhile , the conglomeration facilitate prevent the potting mix from retaining too much water .
Suitable aggregate include rough-cut Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin , crushed rock , or perlite . Also , use a great deal with drain holes .
Cactus Repotting Or Replacing Soil
recollect that works slowly drain the nutrient from the soil over time .
This is why you need to feed regularly .
The land can also keep calcium , salt , and other toxins over time , making it more and more uncomfortable for your cactus .
As a world-wide rule , you should transplant your Christmas cactus every three yr .
Use this sentence to completely replace the soil , discarding the old soil or mixing it into your compost pile .
