How long does Christmas cactus live?
Christmas cactus are everywhere during the holiday season, with good reason. They’re gorgeous blooming succulents that can live up to 100 years!
Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
The answer is simple, yes! Coffee grounds can work on almost any type of cactus or succulent. Most water has an alkaline pH of around 8, whereas cactus like between 5.8 – 7 pH. This means that each time you water your Christmas cactus or succulent, you are actually feeding it a higher pH than what it likes.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
When selecting a pot for a Christmas cactus, be sure to choose one that has a drainage hole in the bottom. This helps to keep the soil from getting too wet. Christmas cacti grow well in most potting mixes that are formulated for succulents. The important thing is that your potting soil drains well.
Can I water my Christmas cactus with coffee?
While many gardeners swear by their own homemade fertilizer for Christmas cactus, remember, with tropical cacti, less is more. If you want to use compost or coffee grounds on Christmas cactus, only add a tablespoon or two at a time. Always water after adding any fertilizer or amendment to the flowerpot.
Can you put a Christmas cactus outside?
Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. During summer, water to keep the growing mix moist after it dries on top.
How do you rejuvenate a Christmas cactus?
Use a good quality potting soil at two parts potting soil to one part sand or vermiculite, assuring sharp drainage. Even if the soil is not soggy, repotting may be the solution to reviving a limp Christmas cactus.
When should I start fertilizing my Christmas cactus?
The feeding season of the Christmas cactus is the same as the growing season. This means that it will need to be fed right before it blooms, which should be about from April to October of the year.
Why does my Christmas cactus have red tips?
The red leaves on your Christmas cactus indicate that it has experienced some type of stress. This is usually related to a lack of nutrients and being exposed to excessive bright light (like being set outdoors in the sun). The red leaves on your cactus are an indicator that it has suffered sunburn.