This winter cactus blooms only once a year if it is not watered for about three weeks. It is recommended to water less frequently from the end of October to allow the stems to form buds. The stems wilt and the plant turns red. Once the buds appear, you can water the plant as usual. Then fertilize monthly with liquid fertilizer from February to September. Transplant your Christmas cactus every three years in light potting soil that is not garden soil.

How do you propagate a Christmas cactus?

To take a cutting from a Christmas cactus, cut off 10 centimeters of the stem and root it in water or damp sand. Be sure to divide the stem into two equal parts. Schlumbergia cuttings form roots every three weeks. To transplant them into a pot, wait until spring to put them in a separate pot. It is important to take a cutting from a stem that has not yet developed buds. Otherwise, you should remove the buds and put them in water.

Blooming Christmas cactus. Source: spm

How often should you water a Christmas cactus?

Water the plant weekly during the growing season to ensure fresh soil. The soil should also be dry before adding fertilizer. For example, you can use a liquid fertilizer with a high potassium content once a month. Don’t forget to water them every 10 days after flowering. You can also place moist clay cacti under the pot.

Christmas cactus leaves. Source: spm