Just in time for Christmas, the Christmas cactus with its exotic flowers brings color to the dreary season. But care mistakes can affect him badly. Mistakes are often made, especially when watering the Christmas cactus.
In a nutshell
- Timing depends on several factors
- Especially from the stage of development
- Waterlogging particularly problematic
- Short-term dryness no problem
Table of contents
- timing and water requirements
- The right water
- What else to look out for?
- frequently asked Questions
timing and water requirements
Both the timing and the amount of water depend primarily on the stage of development in which the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) currently located, for example before, during or after Blossom. About one to two months before flowering, i.e. in August or September, the plant is in a dormant phase that lasts about four to six weeks. Depending on the location, the flowering period extends from the end of November to January/February. The frequency of watering and the amount of water must be adjusted accordingly.
Before flowering:
- Significantly reduce the watering quantity in August/September
- every two to three weeks is sufficient
- Water requirement increases with the start of new growth
During flowering:
- first buds around early/mid-November
- now increase the amount of water until the end of the flowering period
- and depending on the ambient temperature
- in warm locations every two to three days
- in a cooler place once a week
After flowering:
- greatly reduce watering after flowering
- Never let the substrate dry out completely
- less water better than too much
The nature of the substrate also plays an important role in the amount of water poured, especially with regard to the formation of waterlogging. It should be well drained. Substrates with at least one coarse component, e.g. B. perlite or pumice. At least as important are drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, so that excess water can drain off at any time. Basically, the Christmas cactus needs more water during the flowering period than the rest of the year. If it is outside in the summer, it needs to be watered more often.
Tip: Mini Christmas cacti need to be watered a little more often because their comparatively small balls cannot store as much water.
The right water
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is not only sensitive to wet feet, but also to hard water. If available, you should only water with lime-free, i.e. rainwater. If this is not possible and you are dependent on tap water, it should be well stale or boiled and cooled. This applies to both watering and regular spraying of the Christmas cactus. If you have an aquarium, you can also use this water for watering.
What else to look out for?
As with all plants, the Christmas cactus should be watered as needed. In order not to let the plant dry out or drown, you should consider a few things:
- Give water well tempered
- Permanently moist soil encourages rot
- Never let bales dry out completely
- Check moisture with a finger test
- Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering
- Soak the bales well when watering
- Always remove residual water in the coaster promptly
- Spray leaves regularly with lime-free water
Tip: Due to its tropical origin, the Christmas cactus needs a high humidity of between 50 and 60 percent. Accordingly, you can use it regularly with lime-free water spray or place in a planter filled with small stones and halfway with water.
frequently asked Questions
This is often not directly due to watering, but to watering with hard water. However, other reasons such as drafts can also be the cause.
That depends on the extent to which it is already damaged. It is best to remove them from the pot as soon as possible, remove any rotten spots on the roots and repot the plant in a clean pot and fresh substrate. But you should wait a few days before watering.
It is considered slightly toxic to adults and children, provided that no parts of the plant are swallowed. The escaping plant sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive people. It can pose a danger to cats, as these animals are very curious and could nibble on the plant.
