Did you know that the Christmas Cactus , also call Schlumbergera truncata , actually come in from rainforests rather of deserts like most other cacti ? When you grow this beautiful plant in a pot , it ’s important to remember where it came from .
In their natural habitat , Christmas Cacti flourish on the rainforest floor , surrounded by settle leaves and tower Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . This environment does n’t hold much piddle , so these plants have adapted to get most of their hydration from the air . That ’s why they demand pots with good drainage . Even a little bit of stagnant water system can be horrible for a Christmas Cactus . That ’s why we ’ve create this guide to help you opt the utter jackpot for your beloved Christmas cactus .
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Choosing the Best Pot for Your Christmas Cactus
When it comes to finding the best planter for your Christmas cactus , there are a few key factors to take . Let ’s plunge into everything you ask to know about choosing the ideal pile for your Christmas Cactus .
1. Priority: Good Drainage
To ensure your Christmas Cactus does n’t suffer from overly damp roots , opt for a pot with at least one drain hole . set a tray under the pot to catch any superfluous water as you water the plant .
Water your Christmas Cactuswhen the top third of the soil feels ironic . Pour water into the sens until it strain the rim , but check that to drain any water in the tray within 10 - 15 minutes to prevent waterlogging the roots .
2. Unleash the Natural Look with Unglazed Ceramic Pots
While it may be alluring to showcase your Christmas Cactus in a beautifully glazed ceramic mountain , it ’s not the best pick . glaze over pots , being non - porous , occlude the plant ’s roots from accessing the fence breeze .
as luck would have it , there ’s an regalia of attractive unglazed option available , and many opt the instinctive aesthetic these pots allow .
3. Embrace the Festive Spirit
Since the Christmas Cactus live up to its name by flower during the holiday season , it ’s often placed front and center amidst other seasonal decorations to share its beautiful heyday with everyone .
Choosing a coloured or ornamental pot will not only add a festive touch , but it will also seamlessly incorporate your Christmas Cactus into your overall interior decoration . If the pot comes with a tray , it can even serve as a charming centrepiece for your vacation gatherings .
4. Hang It Up
With its semi - trailing increment pattern , the Christmas Cactus is an excellent candidate for hang container . But remember , avoid place the plant too close to southern or southwesterly window as acute lineal sunlight can cause burning .
Ideal light-colored weather for the Christmas Cactus are medium brightness , so discover a spot with an easterly or northeastern orientation course .
5. Size Matters
A container that is too large can ensue in excessive root growth , overpowering the exploitation of leaves . It ’s also easy to accidentally overwater a large toilet . On the other hand , a container that is too small can hinder theme development and harm the cactus .
A pot that extends about 1/2 in to 1 column inch above the top of your plant life is generally the right sizing in terms of width . When it total to depth , conceive the type of root arrangement your cactus has .
sure cacti have a taproot system , which consist of a long , single root stretch out from the works ’s bag . Taproots provide stability and help the cactus get at deep groundwater source . If your cactus has a taproot , a taller pot made of a sturdy textile will supply the necessary space for it to expand , prevent tipping .
Other cacti have a lateral root system , where humble root circularize out horizontally , creating a web near the surface . This type of root system of rules is check in smaller cactus mintage that rely on aerofoil hydration and nutrients .
Cacti with lateral root organisation prosper in shallow , wide-eyed lot . circular planters provide enough space for the root to raise and provide a stable base .
Repotting a Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cacti choose slightly cramp blank , so plant them in excessively gravid pots is not recommended . To ensure their roots have enough elbow room and access to nutrient , repot every two to three geezerhood .
Choose a pot slightly larger than the late one . During repotting , gently bump off the old soil from the roots without cause wrong . Replace it with fresh indoor garden soil mixed with vermiculite or vex for improved drainage , or prefer for succulent - specific potting soil .
By selecting the perfect kitty for your Christmas Cactus , you ’ll lay the groundwork for a thriving , festive works that will bring joy to your place throughout the holiday time of year and beyond .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Christmas cacti like shallow or deep pots?
Christmas Cacti thrive in moderately cryptic pots as it reserve them to bloom at their best . verify the hatful has at least one drainage muddle .
set the Christmas Cactus about one column inch deep in refreshing land , preferably a mix of sand and peat . Water it carefully until you see new increase or roots , and then continue with regular lachrymation .
Do Christmas cacti like ceramic pots?
Ceramic potentiometer are a large choice for Christmas Cacti because they are durable and easy to exert . Some ceramic pots even come with drain holes , ensuring that your industrial plant does n’t get flooded . An fantabulous option is the Richlin Gardens ’ set with four Christmas - themed boxes , total a delicious touch to your potty selection .
The smooth ceramic grain give the passel a unique cactus - corresponding appearance , and the green paint complements various ferns and flowers . Its generous size is perfect for a pocket-sized indoor herbaceous plant garden or terrarium , and it ’s sturdy enough for out-of-door function too .
What size pot is best for a Christmas cactus?
Christmas Cacti prefer smaller throne due to their root ball . When you buy a cactus from a store , it commonly comes in a small credit card container that equalize the size of its ancestor ball .
To economize on costs , sellers use the smallest potential flock made of cheap materials like plastic . These spate do n’t supply the idealistic surround for the cactus , so it ’s best to repot it immediately . However , do n’t choose a large pot either .
The perfect pot should only be around 1/4 inch to 1/3 column inch larger in diam than the solution ball of the plant . Even half an inch big is sufficient . Deep pots may look appealing for home decor , but Christmas Cacti do n’t thrive in them . The soil at the bottom of a abstruse smoke be given to retain excess wet , leading to root bunkum and other issues for the cactus .
Instead , opt for a shallow container . Ideally , there should be no more than an inch of space between the roots and the bottom of the pot .
Do Christmas cacti like tight pots?
Christmas Cacti really thrive in slenderly kitty - bound weather . Their root organization execute well when they have limited space .
These cacti flourish in the cozy confines of a smaller pot , where their dense roots can access moisture and nutrients in the remaining dirt . However , if you neglect to repot the plant life , it may suffer and give way to flower . On median , repotting the Christmas cactus should be done every three to four years .
leave your Christmas cactus to become ascendent - stick is a delicate balance . The roots may turn tail through drain holes in hunting of nutrients and water , which is why repotting is recommended .
Do Christmas cacti like to hang?
Christmas Cacti are epiphytes , which means they naturally grow on tree branches in rainforests . Due to their cascading stems , they are perfect for hanging baskets .
The Christmas cactus is a fertile succulent that flower for six to eight weeks each winter . It ’s a small - maintenance plant that is well-heeled to care for and domesticate .
When should you repot a Christmas cactus?
Most houseplants should be repot when they show new growth in the spring . However , for Christmas cacti , repotting should be done after they finish flowering and the blooms have withered . This usually come in late wintertime or early spring . Avoid repotting a plant that is currently flowering .
Do n’t rush to repot your Christmas cactus as it thrives when its root are slenderly bound . Repotting too frequently can harm the plant . Generally , repotting every four to five years is sufficient , but you may wait until the flowers commence wilting or when a few roots poke through the drainage mess . A plant can blithely blossom in the same pot for many long time .
