The cactus, also known as the Christmas cactus, has different requirements than desert cacti, because in its natural environment it grows not in the soil, but as an epiphyte attached to other plants. This time we will focus on watering it. How often to do this? What mistakes should you avoid? You will find answers to these questions in this article.
The frequency of watering the grove depends on several factors. For example, we need to water this plant more often if the temperature in the room is quite high. The same applies to a smaller pot, where the soil dries out faster. Remember that the specimen does not like standing water, so it is worth providing it with permeable soil.
Another factor that we should pay attention to before watering is the condition of the cactus. If it has soft and limp leaves, we should limit its watering, while those withering and falling indicate a lack of water..
In spring and summer, we need to water the Grudnik regularly, every 7-10 days. This will give the earth time to dry out. In autumn and winter, it should be done less frequently, usually every two weeks. This way we will prepare the plant to release flowers.
During flowering, we water the specimen frequently – immediately when the soil is dry. Therefore, it is best to immerse your finger in the substrate 2-3 cm. If it is not moist, we start watering it immediately.
Immediately after the cactus blooms, i.e. when it is dormant, we limit watering. It is enough to do it once every 2 weeks, sometimes even less often.
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The main care mistake is its overflow. This happens when we buy a pot without drainage holes. However, if we have a special vessel, we cannot allow excess water to remain in the stand. Otherwise, the roots will rot. Then we will have to transplant the specimen into new, fresh soil.
Another equally common mistake is watering too rarely, which leads to the leaves drying out and not flowering. Long-term drying can weaken the cactus so much that its regeneration will require much more time.
It is better to overdry the grove than to overwater it. Too much water can cause it to be completely wasted. That’s why we recommend watering the specimen using the “bottom up” method.. It involves placing the pot in a bowl of water for 20 minutes. Thanks to this, the plant will absorb the appropriate amount of water itself. However, remember that it should be boiled or filtered.
The Christmas cactus prefers moderate air humidity. Therefore, it is worth sprinkling it regularly or placing an air humidifier nearby.
