Here’s how to repot your Christmas cactus so it continues to thrive for years to come.
But there comes a time when the depleted soil can no longer sustain the plant.
Before your Christmas cactus reaches this point, use these tips to tell when your plant needs repotting.
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Then follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to repot your Christmas cactus correctly.
Why Repot a Christmas Cactus?
Regular repotting promotes flowering and strong growth while supporting a decades-long lifesome Christmas cactuses are passed down through generations!
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Repotting with fresh potting mix helps replenish the soil and nutrients around the roots.
It also can provide more growing space so the root mass can expand to support the new growth.
However, Christmas cactuses grow best when their roots are slightly confined.
When to Repot Christmas Cactus
It is best torepot your Christmas cactusevery three or four years.
Regular repotting will promote healthy, steady growth of new stems and leaves and regular flowering.
Delaying repotting makes the project more challenging, as the plant will weaken due to a lack of nutrients.
Plants suffering the repercussions of delayed repotting may develop fewer flowers or the flower buds may drop off prematurely.
They have slow or nonexistent new growth during spring and summerthe primary growing season.
Young stems that develop might shrivel and fall off.
Entire stem segments often drop off plants that are struggling to grow in depleted soil and a too-small pot.
If you notice any of these signs, aim to repot your Christmas cactus in early spring.
Transplanting in spring takes advantage of the plants natural growth cycle.
Select a new pot 2 to 3 inches wider than the previous container.
Apot with drainage holesis essential for this succulent.
You also need quality potting soil.
A mix formulated for houseplants or succulents that comes with fertilizer mixed in works well.
Remove the plant from the pot.
Try not to pull on the stems to remove a Christmas cactus from its pot.
Gently brush existing soil from the roots with your fingers.
Aim to remove as much of the soil as possible so that nutrient-rich soil will replace the depleted soil.
Check the roots as you go.
Healthy roots are creamy white and fleshy.
Brown, slimy, or overly soft roots are a sign of aplant disease such as root rot.
Trim away diseased roots,disinfecting your pruners between cuts.
Place in new pot.
Position the top of the root ball 1 inch below the pot rim and add soil around the roots.
Lightly tamp the soil as you go to eliminate air pockets.
Water and keep in shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas cactuses dont divide well.
Pinching spurs the plant to branch and create more flowers.
Your plant is most likelysuffering from overwatering.
Water a flowering Christmas cactus when the soil surface is dry.
Be sure to allow excess water to drain away thoroughly.
Yes, stem cuttings are one of the easiest ways topropagate your favorite Christmas cactus.
Remove a stem with two to five flattened stem segments.
Pot the cutting in sand or perlite, watering when the media begins to dry out.
The cuttings should root in six to eight weeks.
