How to Fertilize Your Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is one of several holiday cacti. It earns its name from its habit of producing red or pink flowers during the winter holiday periods. The Christmas cactus belongs to a group of tropical cacti that require more water and fertilizers than those that grow in deserts. The plant primarily feeds in the period when it's not flowering. Supplying a regular flow of nutrients to the soil helps the cactus bloom at its fullest and keeps its succulent foliage healthy.

10-10-10 soluble fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Dilute a 10-10-10 or similar complete fertilizer blend with water at half the rate recommended on the package. For most balanced houseplant fertilizers, combine 1/2 tsp. of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water.
- 2
  Fertilize Christmas cactus after flowering. Continue to apply a soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks until late summer. Water the cactus with the fertilizer solution until the excess begins draining from the bottom of the cactus pot. Empty the drip tray under the pot after fertilizing.
- 3
  Irrigate with clear water once a month, providing water until it drains freely from the pot. A clear water irrigation flushes any excess fertilizer salts from the soil so they don't damage the cactus plant.

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