The grove cactus, also known as the schlumbergera or Christmas cactus, does not bloom all year round. It releases its flowers only in late autumn and winter. Earlier it is in the resting phase and then you need to leave it alone. We should start intensive care only when we notice the first buds. Check out the secrets of growing this winter plant.
When caring for potted plants, the substrate, location, temperature, watering and fertilization are important. It turns out that some of the care activities are unnecessary during the resting phase of the specimens. Then they prepare for flowering and then we limit irrigation and the supply of nutrients.
In the case of the December plant, it is a mistake to water it intensively during the resting phasethat is, when it has not yet started to sprout buds. This treatment is performed when the substrate is completely dry. We also have to pour water out of the stand. Otherwise, the roots will rot and the plant will die.
In late autumn, we cannot additionally fertilize the schlumbergera. We also start providing nutrients only when the first buds appear. Let’s also ensure a lower temperature in the room during the resting phase of the specimen. It should be around 17 degrees Celsius.
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For a December plant that is starting to sprout buds, a position with diffused light is best. The ideal temperature for flowering is 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The plant should not be suddenly changed, touched or the pot should not be moved.
The flowering specimen does not tolerate dry air. Let’s keep it away from radiators and spray it if necessary. Water the Christmas cactus every 5-7 days when the top layer of the substrate dries out slightly.. The soil must be constantly moist, but not soaked. We use boiled, settled water for both sprinkling and irrigation.
When the plant begins to sprout buds, we start fertilizing. We can use fertilizer for cacti or succulents. However, we don’t have to spend money – we can make it from banana peel and coffee grounds.
It is worth using a banana peel as a natural nutrient for the plant because it provides the plant with minerals that influence flowering. We’re talking about phosphorus and potassium. In turn, coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which is responsible for the development of green parts.
How to make natural food for a Christmas cactus? First, pour water over the banana peel and set aside for 24 hours. After this time, strain the liquid and add 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds. Mix everything. Water the plant with the fertilizer prepared in this way once a week.
To enhance the effect of the fertilizer, we also recommend scattering crushed egg shells in the pot. Nutrients will gradually be released into the soil and cause the specimen to bloom in time for Christmas.
