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Does a Christmas cactus need to be root bound to bloom?

Does a Christmas cactus need to be root bound to bloom?

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a holiday cactus blooms best with its roots slightly cramped.

Does a cactus like to be root bound?

This indicates it is overly root bound. Most cacti find small spaces very cozy and can stay in their container for years. The sight of roots will let you know it has expanded too much and will need repotting. The next size up container will be appropriate since they like it snug.

How do I know if my Christmas cactus is root bound?

Signs that your cactus has become root bound include noticing the soil in your planter growing increasingly hard, seeing the roots growing out of the drainage hole/holes of your pots, or if the stems of your Christmas cactus start to turn yellow or brown (the latter symptom is also sometimes a sign of overwatering, not …

Why does my Christmas cactus grow pot bound?

Roots growing through the drainage hole or swirling over the surface of the potting mix indicate that Christmas cactus is pot bound. Often, the roots are so tightly packed that water runs straight through the pot without wetting the roots. As a result, pot bound plants often display stunted growth.

Is it easy to root a Christmas cactus?

That’s a Christmas cactus. Their colorful leaves give them a one-of-a-kind look, and they’re actually pretty easy to care for once you get them going. But getting it going is what we’re focusing on today. One cool feature of the Christmas cactus is that you can root a brand new plant just by taking a few clippings from an existing plant.

How often do you need to repot a Christmas cactus?

A tropical cactus with flat, segmented leaves, Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) puts on a a colorful show during the winter holidays. This low-maintenance plant is happiest when its roots are slightly crowded, and it requires repotting only when it becomes pot bound, usually about once every three years.

Can a Christmas cactus grow in the desert?

According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a holiday cactus blooms best with its roots slightly cramped. The Christmas cactus is a true cactus, but the desert is not its home. Understanding this plant’s origin and needs can help you know when and how to give those roots more room.