Watering methods and precautions for Christmas cactus (when to water Christmas cactus)

How to water Christmas cactus correctly

There is no single way to water Christmas cactus, it is related to the climate of the four seasons. There is also the issue of water quality. Here I will talk about these points in detail:

First, water quality issues:

Most of the Christmas cacti we care for at home are watered with tap water, which contains chlorine, ozone, and calcium carbonate. Long-term use of tap water for watering will leave these alkaline substances, which can easily lead to soil alkalinization and hardening.

In addition to affecting watering, the fertilizer is also ineffective when applied.

Before watering, you can put tap water in a large container and place it in a cool and ventilated place to dry for a few days. This will evaporate the chlorine and ozone in the water and allow calcium carbonate to precipitate. When watering, just fill the container to four-fifths of its depth.

Use 800 times the amount of ferrous sulfate in water once a month to irrigate the roots to balance the acidity and alkalinity of the soil.

In addition, the watering methods and precautions for Christmas cactus are different at different times of the year. Let us learn about the four-season watering techniques of Christmas cactus and understand when to water it.

1. Spring watering

The temperature in each place in spring is different, and the growth of Christmas cactus is different. Watering Christmas cactus mainly depends on the temperature. If the temperature is not higher than 15 degrees Celsius, then Christmas cactus is still dormant, and the soil should be kept dry.

When the temperature is above 15 degrees Celsius for a week, Christmas cactus begins to enter the growth period, and watering can be changed to "alternate dry and wet". Watering should be done in a location with sufficient light and good ventilation.

2. Watering in summer

When the temperature reaches above 32 degrees Celsius in summer, Christmas cactus will enter a dormant period. At this time, the Christmas cactus should be kept in a shaded location.

If the environment is better and the Christmas cactus is not dormant, you can water it in the evening when the surface soil turns white.

If the maintenance environment temperature is higher than 32 degrees Celsius, watering can be appropriately limited. After the surface of the flower soil turns white, watering can be extended for about 1 to 2 days. In summer, the leaves can be sprayed once in the morning and evening.

3. Watering in Autumn

In autumn, watering also depends on the temperature. When the temperature is below 32 degrees Celsius, Christmas cactus enters the growth period and bud formation period. At this time, watering should be appropriately increased. When the surface of the flower soil turns white, you can water it in the evening of the same day. Spray 3 to 5 times a day, and stop spraying when flower buds appear.

When the temperature is high, continue the dormant watering method.

4. Watering in winter

When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in winter, Christmas cactus enters a dormant period and needs to be brought indoors for the winter.

During the dormant period, the water absorption capacity is reduced due to the lack of growth, and the indoor ventilation and light are relatively insufficient. When the surface of the flower soil is dry, watering should be extended for 3 to 5 days. Generally, you can spray 2 to 3 times a week to replenish water on the leaves and clean the dust on the leaves.