Learn how to care for Christmas cactus and poinsettias
Misting houseplants is often recommended to help boost their humidity, helping them thrive throughout the winter months.
However, according to the plant specialists at Exubia, this should be avoided with the Christmas cactus.
They explained: “Whereas most cacti come from arid, desert environments, the Christmas cactus is native to the Brazilian rainforest, a humid environment with vast quantities of water and nutrition for plants to thrive.
“As a result, it is best to water your houseplant at least once or twice per week.” To test if the plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil and if the first centimetre is dry, it needs a top-up.
Usually, houseplant owners can mist their indoor plants to boost their humidity levels and help them to thrive. However, the experts said: “You should avoid misting the plant.
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“The plants tend to catch and hold water which can lead to root rot. In the rainforest, lots of insects crawl around the base of the plant creating tiny holes for water to flow freely.
“Indoors, however, soil often clumps together, which can prevent water from reaching the roots of your plant.
“To replace this so that water reaches the root of your Christmas cactus, it is best to use chopsticks or another sharp instrument to create small air pockets.”
Britons can also help their plant to thrive by fertilising throughout the winter period.
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While this may seem counterintuitive when it comes to houseplants, the colder months are actually the growing period for a Christmas cactus so it needs the nutrients.
The pros noted: “It’s best to opt for a fertiliser with an NPK ratio 3:2:1 in a liquid form as this will give the plant the best chance of immediately absorbing the nutrient it needs.”
Houseplant experts at Essential Living have shared their top tips on propagating Christmas cacti and when the best time to do so is.
While it is pretty easy to propagate this houseplant, it is best to do it during the spring months, when it is not in active flower.
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The pros explained: “You can regrow a Christmas cactus in three different ways including, upright in soil, flat in soil, and in water. However, first things first, you need to ensure you get a healthy cutting.”
Each branch is made up of several sections linked together, and at the very bottom is where the roots grow.
When separating them, twist them very gently to avoid tearing and then let them sit in a cool, dry place for a few days.
Then, plant them an inch deep into new soil and watch the roots grow.
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