To green up a Christmas cactus , it ’s of import to provide the right nutrients and care . One style to do this is by fertilizing the industrial plant . A good fertilizer option for Christmas cactus is a balanced flora food for thought with a ratio of 20 - 20 - 20 or 10 - 10 - 10 . This means the fertilizer contains adequate amounts of nitrogen ( N ) , phosphorus ( atomic number 15 ) , and potassium ( K ) .
When using a granular fertiliser , it ’s best to dilute it with urine to a 50 % potency . This can be done by coalesce the commend amount of fertilizer with water according to the parcel instructions . For case , if the package evoke using 1 tablespoonful of fertiliser per gallon of water , you would utilise 1/2 tablespoon of fertilizer per gallon of water .
It ’s important to note that overfertilizing can harm the Christmas cactus , so it ’s always better to drift on the side of precaution and expend a weak solution . Fertilizing the Christmas cactus once every calendar month during the originate season , which is typically spring to come down , should be sufficient .
In addition to the even plant nutrient , it ’s good to bring home the bacon the Christmas cactus with a monthly software of a magnesium sulfate resolution . This can serve amend the industrial plant ’s overall health and promote greener leaf . To make the solution , thaw 1 teaspoon of magnesium sulfate ( also known as Epsom table salt ) in 1 gallon of water . check that to mix it well until the salt is wholly dissolved .
However , it ’s important to quash applying the magnesium sulfate solution on the same workweek you feed the plant with the balanced flora nutrient . This is because the flora needs time to take in and utilize the nutrient right . Alternating between the two fertilizers on a monthly base should furnish the Christmas cactus with the necessary nutrients for healthy outgrowth .
When apply any fertilizer or result to the Christmas cactus , it ’s crucial to water the industrial plant good beforehand . This helps to prevent any potential scathe to the beginning from the concentrated solution . After utilise the fertilizer or atomic number 12 sulphate solvent , ensure to irrigate the industrial plant again to assure the nutrient are distributed throughout the soil .
It ’s also deserving mention that while fertilize is crucial for a Christmas cactus , other agent such as proper lighting , temperature , and watering are evenly essential for its overall health . Christmas cacti thrive in burnished indirect light and favour temperatures between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° coulomb ) . They also require well - drain soil and should be irrigate when the top column inch of the soil feels dry .
In last , to green up a Christmas cactus , fertilize it with a balanced plant food dilute to 50 % strength , and provide a monthly app of a magnesium sulfate solution . Alternating between the two on a monthly ground should avail cater the necessary nutrients for a good for you and vivacious Christmas cactus . commend to also think other gene such as lighting , temperature , and water to insure the overall well - being of the plant .
Caroline Bates
