How do I prune a Christmas cactus?
Pruning. Trim your Christmas cactus to create a fuller, bushier plant about a month after blooming, but never prune a Christmas cactus after late spring. To prune the plant, just pinch off one or more of the sections. Replant them in a separate pots if you want to create new plants.
When should Christmas cactus be pruned?
The best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right after it has bloomed. At this time, the Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period and will start to put out new leaves. Pruning a Christmas cactus right after it blooms will force it to branch out, which means the plant will grow more of its distinctive stems.
Should you deadhead Christmas cactus?
While not necessary for all cacti since some cactus flowers drop from the plant once they are spent, deadheading cactus flowers can promote additional blooms and encourage growth while also tidying up the cactus. Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season while the Christmas cactus is in bloom.
Should you water a Christmas cactus while its blooming?
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently. Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Transplantation: Repot your cactus each year after flowering.
Do you need to prune a Christmas cactus?
Named after the time of year that they bloom in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas cactus plants are beautiful and easy to maintain in the right conditions. The simple process of pruning can help grow a fuller, bushier plant, or decrease the size of your existing plant.
What’s the best way to care for a cactus?
Ensure that the soil remains moist and care for your plant in the same way you would a mature cactus. Test the soil to see if it needs watering. Once the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water again.
How often should I repot my Christmas cactus?
Repot your cactus every 3-4 years. Christmas cactus plants like to live in tight pots so don’t need to be repotted very often. Repotting should be done after blooming in late winter or early spring. What should be done with a very old (over 16 years) Christmas cactus? Can it be pruned back to 1/3 its size?
What happens if you water a Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus. Unlike most desert cacti, this variety cannot tolerate completely dry soil. If the soil gets too dry, the flowers buds will drop, and the plant will wilt. Once you water the plant, let it dry about three-quarters of the way before you water it again.