How to fertilize a Christmas cactus
Schlumbergera spp.
Quick answer
Feed a Christmas cactus during active growth, roughly spring through late summer, with a labeled liquid or balanced fertilizer. Taper before the autumn flowering rest.
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How to fertilize a Christmas cactus
- 01
When to fertilize
For the common indoor holiday-cactus group, feed during active growth, from about April through September or early spring through late summer.
Reduce or stop feeding during the autumn and winter flowering/rest period, then return to the active-growth program after growth resumes.
- 02
Fertilizer type and dose
Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer or a balanced cactus/houseplant product intended for container plants. The product label and plant stage remain part of the decision.
A quarter-strength houseplant fertilizer is a conservative option. If you use another product, follow its label rather than transferring a full-strength garden rate to the pot.
All Christmas cactus guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted genus · native range · accepted species
- Royal Horticultural SocietyWhat are Christmas cacti · Planting · Temperature · Watering · Humidity · Feeding · Problems
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · Cultural Conditions · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- University of Minnesota ExtensionQuick facts · Light and temperature · Soil · Watering · Fertilizing · Flower buds · Common issues
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