Christmas cacti benefit from regular but moderate fertilization during their active growth periods.
Fertilizing schedule:
- Spring through early fall: Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half-strength once a month
- Late fall through winter: Suspend fertilization during bud formation and flowering
- Resume feeding a few weeks after blooming has finished
Tip: If your plant’s stems appear pale or yellowish, this may indicate nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen. Adjust your fertilization accordingly.
Propagating Christmas Cactus
One of the delightful aspects of Christmas cacti is how easily they propagate, allowing you to share this special plant with friends and family.
Simple propagation method:
- Select a healthy stem and cut a segment containing 2-3 sections
- Allow the cutting to dry for 24 hours to form a callus
- Plant the cutting in slightly moist potting mix, inserting about 1/4 inch deep
- Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain slight moisture
- Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks
- Once established (usually in 2-3 months), care for as a mature plant
Pruning and Maintenance
Some strategic pruning helps maintain your Christmas cactus’s shape and encourages branching for more abundant blooms.
When and how to prune:
- Best time: Within a month after flowering ends
- Simply twist or cut stem segments at the joints
- Remove any damaged or diseased segments
- Limit pruning to no more than 1/3 of the plant at once
- Use the pruned segments for propagation
