Grasp the base of the Thanksgiving Cactus firmly while inverting the pot. Gently slide the plant and root ball from the pot, being careful not to damage any roots growing out the drainage holes. Brush away as much of the old soil as possible to expose the roots.
What kind of potting soil do you use for Thanksgiving cactus?
The potting medium must be well-drained with good aeration, as these epiphytic cacti do not grow well in heavy, wet potting mixes. A good mix may contain 60-80% potting soil with 40-20% perlite.
When should I transplant my Thanksgiving cactus?
Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring. Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. Do not repot them unless necessary.
What kind of soil is best for Christmas cactus?
The ideal potting soil will contain a high proportion of organic matter such as peat or well-decomposed compost. Addition of coarse sand, or even aquarium gravel, will provide the necessary drainage and aeration. There are commercially available cactus potting soils that are designed to be well-drained soils.
Can you split a Thanksgiving cactus?
It’s best to divide a Christmas cactus during a period of dormancy rather than during a period of growth, so wait until the flowers have fallen off. Gently remove the entire root ball from the pot by grasping the base of the plant and wiggling it free. If possible, tip the pot to get a helping hand from gravity.
How often should you water a Thanksgiving cactus?
To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out during “resting periods,” or in other words, when it is not producing blooms. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
When should I repot my cactus?
Cacti should be repotted as soon as the roots begin to show through the drainage holes at the bottom of its pot. As a general rule, fast growing species should be repotted every two to three years and slow growing species every three to four years.
How do you start a new Thanksgiving cactus?
Growing Thanksgiving Cactus Cuttings
Snip off a stem with 4 to 5 sections and leaves. Dust the end with fungicide and allow it to callus for a week in a dry location. Fill a small clay pot with vermiculite or perlite mixed with potting soil. Alternatively, you can use damp sand.
How big can a Thanksgiving cactus get?
| Botanical Name | Schlumbergera truncata |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, false Christmas cactus, holiday cactus, winter cactus |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Mature Size | 12-24 in. long, 12-24 in. wide |
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus drooping?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
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Can I use regular potting soil for Christmas cactus?
A lightweight, well-drained potting mixture is critical, so look for a commercial mix for bromeliads or succulents. You can also use a mixture of two-thirds regular potting soil and one-third sand. Repot Christmas cactus into a pot only slightly larger than the current container.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm &, Citrus Potting Mix. … Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food. Give your Christmas cactus 6 weeks of extra darkness and lower temps to encourage blooming. Prune after blooming for the best shape.
How do you split and repot a Christmas cactus?
Another option is to divide the mother plant. To do this, remove the plant from the existing pot and use a sharp knife to remove sections of the plant with roots still attached. These sections can then be transplanted into separate pots. The mother plant can be replanted in the original pot or moved to a larger one.