What Fertilizer Is Best for a Christmas Cactus?

Type

• While some horticulturalists suggest using a 10-10-10 fertilizer, others suggest using a 20-20-20 fertilizer for Christmas cactus. The numbers on the fertilizer package refer to the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) inside. For example, a fertilizer with 10-10-10 has equal percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Regardless of the strength you use, select a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Instructions

• Wait until the cactus stops blooming then apply the fertilizer every 14 days in the spring and early summer. Follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions for exact quantities and application methods. How you apply the fertilizer will depend on if you purchase dry or wet fertilizer. When in doubt on how much fertilizer to use, err on the side of caution; it is better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.

Tips

• If your Christmas cactus has changed from a green color to a more purplish hue, this could indicate a stress problem. Ensure that the roots aren't pot-bound, give the plant adequate water and apply fertilizer to help restore nutrients to the plant. Once the plant has enough nutrients, it should return to its normal green color.

Warnings

• Don't try to force your Christmas cactus to grow by adding more fertilizer. Just like other plants, Christmas cactus need a period of dormancy in order to gather strength for future growth. Fertilize your plant only when you see growth. Although some gardeners suggest not fertilizing the plant in June and July when the Christmas cactus is in its natural rest period, the Clemson University Cooperative Extension suggests reducing the fertilizer to quarter strength and fertilizing monthly.